Opioid Prescriptions in Decline Save
In an era of increasing fears over narcotic abuse and narcotic-related deaths, the number of opioid prescriptions in the United States is finally falling, the according to the NY Times.
This is an important early signal that the long-running prescription opioid epidemic may have already peaked, and that behaviors are beginning to change. Whether this is the result of regulations, increased warnings or educational efforts is unclear.
IMS Health reports a 12 percent decline in opioid prescriptions since a peak in 2012. Another source, Symphony Health Solutions, reported a drop of about 18 percent during those years. Opioid prescriptions have fallen in 49 states since 2013, according to IMS, with some of the sharpest decreases coming in West Virginia, the state considered the center of the opioid epidemic, and in Texas and Oklahoma.
But these changes are not reflected in the number of opioid deaths. Fatal overdoses from opioids have continued to rise, taking more than 28,000 lives in 2014, according to the most recent federal health data.
What this means to patients, beyond limiting access, is also unknown.
Continue Reading
Join The Discussion
One factor not pointed out in this article but most likely contributes to a decrease in opioid use is the legalization of medical marijuana in several states and the increased use of medical and recreational marijuana for pain.
Thats a great parallel, especially given the growing number of states with medical marijuana. Also recognize while these narcotic Rx number are declining there is a growing use of illegal narcotics and a growing number of heroin overdoses and deaths amongst the elderly! Good point JJC
If you are a health practitioner, you may Login/Register to comment.
Due to the nature of these comment forums, only health practitioners are allowed to comment at this time.