Term: New User (New Use)

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2005-11-24

Definition:

New use is usually defined as no dispensations for the drug under study for a specific person between April 1 and July 31 of the starting fiscal year of analysis. This is assumed to be a 4-month "washout" period of exposure to the study drug being analyzed. Other definitions of new use are also possible including no use of the study drug prior to the 4-month window used in the study.

Related terms 

• Fiscal Year (FY)
• Index Date (Drugs)

References 

• Metge C, Kozyrskyj A, Dahl M, Yogendran M, Roos NP. Pharmaceuticals: Focussing on Appropriate Utilization. Winnipeg, MB: Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, 2003. [Report] [Summary] (View)