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.”
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