Trends in Proton Pump Inhibitor Use in Sweden by Sex and Age: A Drug Utilisation Study

Background Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most popular drugs worldwide. Yet, there are concerns on long-term safety and poor adherence to prescription guidelines. Off-label use in children and increasing maintenance use in older adults may be particularly worrisome. Objectives To assess differences in PPI use by age, sex calendar year and PPI type, and to explore potential underlying indications (ulcerogenic drugs, and indications) in Sweden. Methods Proton pump inhibitor drug utilisation study based on the Swedish nationwide prescribed drug (2006–2023) and patient registries (2006–2022). Results Proton pump inhibitors were used by 14.4% (women) and 10.5% (men) of adults; and 1.0–1.5% of children and adolescents (aged 65 years). Proton pump inhibitor users aged > 85 years filled most prescriptions with an annual average of 9.5 (men), 11.6 (women) prescriptions. Most prescriptions were for omeprazole and esomeprazole: 63.7% and 23.5% in adults; 23.5% and 44.7% in children (2023). Prescriptions for other drugs for peptic ulcers/reflux became rare, with 99% of prescriptions in this category being PPIs by 2023. Gastro-intestinal diagnoses were predominantly recorded in men, became less prevalent and only explained part of PPI use, while ulcerogenic drugs were common (particularly in women), suggesting PPIs are regularly used for gastroprotection. Conclusion Proton pump inhibitor use has doubled in children and increased 50% in adults over the study period, in both sexes, while recorded gastrointestinal indications decreased. Alternative therapies were rarely prescribed in Sweden.