CDC Press Release Embargoed Until: Tuesday, August 6, 2019, 1:00 p.m. ET Contact:Media Relations (404) 639-3286
Despite huge overall increase in prescribing, more needed in rural areas
The overdose-reversing drug naloxone saves lives – but only if it’s readily available when an overdose occurs.
Despite a huge increase in naloxone prescribing in recent years, CDC researchers report in the latest Vital Signs study published today that far too little naloxone is being dispensed in many areas of the country that need it the most.
Moreover, too few doctors are prescribing naloxone to patients receiving high-dose opioids or opioids plus benzodiazepines or to those with a substance use disorder as recommended by CDC’s Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain. Nearly 9 million more naloxone prescriptions could have been dispensed in 2018 if every patient with a high-dose opioid prescription were offered naloxone.
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