CDC: Opioid Prescriptions Covering 4 to 7 Days Should Suffice for Acute Pain

As we continue to see success in lowering use of opioid drugs in managing acute pain, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers data suggesting what might be appropriate parameters for their use when they’re truly necessary. Based on 13,440 patients covered by a large U.S. commercial insurer in 2014, and who filled an opioid prescription within 7 days of a primary care clinic visit, an initial prescription for 4–7 days was found to be sufficient. The study revealed that the median supply of opioids reflected in the prescription was 20 to 30 capsules or tablets and 100 to 155 morphine milligram equivalents. Refill rates were higher among men than among women (19.3% vs 15.8%, respectively). It’s important to note, however, that the study was not specific to urgent care, where clinicians may be less inclined to offer refills in favor of advising the patient to follow up with a specialist or their primary care provider if they think further treatment of pain is necessary.