Approximately 33 percent of patients prescribed opioids after surgery do not use them, according to a Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic study, presented at the American Surgical Association's annual meeting, April 19 to April 21 in Phoenix.
Researchers surveyed 1,907 patients who underwent 25 common procedures at three medical centers. Ninety-two percent of patients received an opioid prescription.
Here's what they found.
1. Around one-third of the patients didn't use any of their opioid prescription.
2. Sixty-three percent of the prescribed opioids went unused.
3. Twenty-eight percent of patients said they were prescribed too many opioids; however, eight percent said they were prescribed too few.
4. The median amount of opioids consumed per patient was equivalent to six pills of 5 milligram oxycodone.
Researchers said, "This research provides a road map for physicians and surgical departments. It shows there are certain surgeries and types of patients who are likely receiving significantly more opioids than needed."