Tag: Opioids
First Opioid Lawsuit Targeting Pharmacy Benefit Managers
First lawsuit mentions three largest PBMs; PBMs likely to be increasingly targeted in litigation
Opiate Use Linked to Early Mortality in IBD Patients
Heavy use in Crohn's, heavy or moderate use in ulcerative colitis tied to increased risk of death
Opioid Packaging Often Lacks Info on Safe Storage, Disposal
Instructions for safe disposal of unused opioid medications often inconsistent, infrequent, or absent
Education, Depression, Pain Associated With Opioid Misuse
Illicit drug use also a significant predictor of misuse in adults ≥50 taking opioids for chronic pain
Marijuana Legalization May Reduce Opioid Use
Implementation of adult-use marijuana laws linked to 6.38 percent lower rate of opioid prescribing
CDC: Overdose Deaths Up Across Drug Categories in 2015 to 2016
Of 63,632 drug overdose deaths in 2016, 66.4 percent involved an opioid
Pre-Op Chronic Opioid Use Ups Poor Outcomes Post Spinal Fusion
Preoperative opioid use tied to complications, ER visits, readmission, adverse events, increased costs
Pharmacists Have Responsibility to Check Opioid Rx Are Legitimate
Pharmacists should document their efforts to make sure rx are written for legitimate medical purposes
Geographic, Social Variances Tied to Higher Drug-Related Mortality
Economic, social conditions, and family distress tied to higher drug mortality rates
Opioid Receipt Up for Teens With Mental Health Conditions
Teens with pre-existing mental health conditions, tx more likely to transition to long-term opioid use
