Heroin is known as diamorphine when used for medical purposes. Figures for use in the community are available for 1996 to 2005. Figures for use in hospitals are only available for 2001 to 2005.
Community dispensing—net ingredient cost Estimated hospital cost Estimated total 1996 3,822.9 — — 1997 3,747.5 — — 1998 3,808.1 — — 1999 3,693.3 — — 2000 3,553.1 — — 2001 3,287.1 3,945.9 7,233.1 2002 3,312.0 3,898.4 7,210.4 2003 3,686.4 4,052.2 7,738.6 2004 3,974.2 3,724.9 7,699.1 2005 1,802.9 1,709.8 3,512.6
The use in 2005 was affected by production problems at a major manufacturer.