Costs and consumption of analgesics, with special reference to opiates in Serbia and Montenegro from 2015 to 2019

Background/Aim. Patients in developing countries do not always receive adequate pain-relieving treatment. Monitoring analgesics consumption is of great importance since this can help assess the quality painful condition management. The aim paper was to present a five-year and costs drugs with analgesic effects countries, exemplified by Serbia Montenegro, indicate main reasons for their (in)adequate prescribing. Methods. observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted order analyze all analgesics, both opioid non-opioid, as countries. data concerning drug prices were obtained from annual editions publications Medicines Medical Devices Agency Montenegro. World Health Organization methodology defined daily dose (DDD) unit measure (defined number DDD per 1000 inhabitants day) used these publications. Results. Over course five years (from 2015 2019) Serbia, total allocations therapy had rising trend, about 43.6 million 63.3 euros, while expenditures showed variations highest value 2018. Most money invested M01A group drugs, which also recorded. Significantly higher Montenegro compared observed same period, it predominantly reflected difference fentanyl (N02AB03, transdermal patch) In M01AB prominently comparison M01AE during whole like case just Conclusion. Taking into account everyday medical practice, more rational prescribing necessary future.