CDC: Physicians prescribed 3 times more opioids in 2015 than 1999

While opioid prescriptions have declined since 2010, the amount of opioids prescribed in 2015 was still three times higher than in 1999, according to the CDC's most recent Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

To assess opioid prescribing trends, CDC researchers analyzed 2006-2015 retail prescription data on opioids compiled by the technology solutions provider QuintilesIMS.

Here are four things to know.

1. Opioids prescriptions peaked in 2010 at 782 morphine milligram equivalents per person and dropped to 640 by 2015. 

2. Over the study period, opioid prescribing varied widely across regions. Counties with the most prescriptions surpassed counties with the least prescriptions by a six-fold average.

3. Opioid prescription rates were higher in counties with a larger percentage of non-Hispanic whites.

4. "This variation suggests inconsistent practice patterns and a lack of consensus about appropriate opioid use and demonstrates the need for better application of guidance and standards around opioid prescribing practices," wrote the report's authors. "Changes in opioid prescribing can save lives. The findings of this report demonstrate that substantial changes are possible and that more are needed."

More articles on opioids: 
5 things to know about the race to identify new deadly opioids 
Surgeons shun opioids, turn to Tylenol and anesthetics instead 
Ohio Gov. John Kasich calls $45M to fight opioid abuse under BCRA 'anemic'

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