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Health care industry

Opioid Prescriptions in Canada Slow Down: National Study Reveals Decline in New Prescriptions and Access

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new national research study conducted by Canadian health organizations between 2018 and 2022 has found a decline in the number of people starting new opioid prescriptions and general access to legally prescribed opioids. The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, analyzed shared collective data across six provinces and found that the number of people starting new opioid prescriptions decreased by eight per cent, while general access to legally prescribed opioids fell by 11 per cent. The study also found that new prescriptions were often higher for women, older adults, and people living in low-income and rural communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of people starting new opioid prescriptions declined by eight per cent between 2018 and 2022.
  • General access to legally prescribed opioids fell by 11 per cent during the same period.
  • New prescriptions were often higher for women, older adults, and people living in low-income and rural communities.
  • Codeine was the most common opioid dispensed in all provinces in 2022, except Quebec and Saskatchewan, where hydromorphone was distributed more.
  • The study's authors believe that healthcare professionals have "learned" from past mistakes of overprescribing and are promoting more careful and appropriate prescribing practices.
  • The study's findings are "one piece of the puzzle" in addressing the current opioid crisis, and patients who already have opioid prescriptions should not have their doses "dramatically cut" without offering alternatives.
  • Patients who were prescribed opioids started at lower and safer doses than in previous years.

Statistics:

  • 8% decline in the number of people starting new opioid prescriptions between 2018 and 2022.
  • 11% decrease in general access to legally prescribed opioids during the same period.
  • Codeine was the most common opioid dispensed in 5 provinces (excluding 2 exceptions).
  • 54584948 (figure not clear in its relevance to the narrative)

Sources:

  • Longwoods report (2019)
  • Canadian Medical Association Journal (study published this week)
  • Ontario Drug Policy Research Network (Dr. Tara Gomes)

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