Pharmacoepidemiology of testosterone prescribing in Australia, 1992–2010

Herriot, Peter M

doi:10.5694/mja12.11032

Topics

To the Editor: The recent article by Handelsman describes the pattern of testosterone prescribing in Australia from January 1992 to December 2010.1 The author concludes that the progressive increase in Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)-subsidised testosterone prescribing is likely to be due to promotion-driven prescribing for speculative, non-approved indications.1

Pain Management Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA.

Correspondence: pherriot@chariot.net.au

Competing interests:

No relevant disclosures.

1. Handelsman DJ. Pharmacoepidemiology of testosterone prescribing in Australia, 1992–2010. Med J Aust 2012; 196: 642-645.
2. Leong M, Murnion B, Haber PS. Examination of opioid prescribing in Australia from 1992 to 2007 Intern Med J 2009; 39: 676-681.
3. Blick G, Khera M, Bhattacharya RK, et al. Testosterone replacement therapy outcomes among opioid users: the testim registry in the United States (TRiUS). Pain Med 2012; 13: 688-698. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2012.01368.x

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