Real-world data: how is paracetamol prescribed in low back pain and osteoarthritis in general practice in France?

Abstract

Common low back pain (LBP) and osteoarthritis (OA) can significantly impact patients’ quality of life and thus require an adequate pain management. In France, paracetamol remains the first-line analgesic according to the national recommendations, but it is challenged by the international guidelines. Prescription patterns in 27 559 patients presenting with OA- or LBP- and receiving paracetamol during the GP visit were retrieved from the IQVIA French database. Paracetamol was prescribed first line and alone in 57% of LBP and 78% of OA patients and remains the pivotal analgesic in both indications in France.