U.S. Justice Department Sues Walmart Over Role in Opioid Crisis
Company violated federal law by selling prescriptions for controlled substances that its pharmacists ‘knew were invalid’
Company violated federal law by selling prescriptions for controlled substances that its pharmacists ‘knew were invalid’
Pregnancy and insurance status were significant barriers to obtaining appointments for opioid use disorder treatment.
The unapproved and misbranded opioids, which include tramadol and oxycodone, are being sold without a prescription.
The CDC analyzed prescription opioid use during pregnancy via a self-reported survey.
In one health system in New York City, more opioids were prescribed on patient discharges that occurred during the latter half of the week and after prolonged hospitalizations.
Researchers assessed pain relief and functional improvement in patients receiving opioids for knee or hip osteoarthritis.
Despite conflicting evidence, a third of primary physicians do not perceive OUD medication to be more effective than nonmedication treatment.
The AMA called for alterations for insurers, including terminating cost-sharing and prior authorization for chronic pain and OUD medications and removing restrictions on Medicaid preferred drug lists.
Managing moderate or severe postoperative pain, which affects 75% of patients in the United States, remains a challenge for physicians.
Implementation of Florida’s House Bill 21 (HB21) in July 2018 has led to reductions in opioid use and changes in opioid prescribing practices across the state.