Introduction of QScript real-time prescription monitoring system was associated with a fall in pregabalin poisoning presentations to a clinical toxicology unit.

Abstract

To investigate the impact of QScript implementation on pregabalin-related poisoning presentations to the ED. This is a retrospective review of pregabalin-related poisoning presentations to a tertiary Australian ED in the 4 years prior to, and 1 year following the introduction of QScript real-time prescription monitoring system. Pregabalin-related poisoning presentations fell by 28% from an average of 98 presentations annually over the 4 years prior to QScript implementation to 71 in 2022. The severity of poisonings was similar over the periods. The introduction of QScript was associated with a reduction in pregabalin-related poisoning presentations.