This retrospective cohort study describes the utilization of opioids and gabapentin among patients with diabetic neuropathy who were gabapentin and opioid naïve, and assesses predictors of concomitant use of opioids and gabapentin. Using Medicare claims data (2012-2016), 22 037 patients were identified, of whom 23.42% (N = 5161) initiated opioids without concomitant gabapentin, 4.56% (N = 1004) initiated gabapentin without concomitant opioids, and 3.87% (N = 852) had concomitant use of gabapentin and opioids 12 months following their index date (date of earliest diagnosis). Concomitant gabapentin and opioid use were more common for lower doses of both drugs and for 15 days or more cumulatively. Compared to individuals aged 65-74, those aged 75-84 (OR: .759; 95% CI: 0.653-.882) or ≥ 85 years (OR: .586, 95% CI: 0.462-.743) had lower odds of concomitant use. People residing in the Northeast had lower odds of concomitant use, compared to those residing in the South (OR: .646 95% CI: 0.535-.779). Females compared to males (OR: 1.185, 95% CI: 1.027-1.367), people with higher Charlson's Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores (OR: 1.085, 95% CI: 1.037-1.135) or those having anxiety (OR: 1.462, 95% CI: 1.131-1.889) had higher odds of concomitant use. Concomitant prescriptions of opioids and gabapentin were more common for longer durations, indicating the need for interventions aimed at minimizing this prescribing practice.
Keywords: diabetes; diabetic neuropathy; gabapentin; opioids; pain medicine.