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Painkiller related deaths
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December 7, 2009
Opioid overdose
A new study published in the latest issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal links increased prescription of opioid-based painkillers to increased accidental death due to opioid use. In a commentary that accompanies the publication SFU health scientist Benedikt Fischer says, “Misuse of prescription drugs and related harms—including overdose mortality—have emerged in Canada as important challenges related to substance use, pain care and public health. It is time for governmental leadership and a concerted prevention strategy with closely monitored outcomes.” Fischer adds that Canada uses five times more prescription opioids per capita than the United Kingdom, and is second only to the United States in terms of its use of painkillers.
See:
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/abstract/181/12/891
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/181/12/881?etoc
Benedikt Fischer, 778.782.5274, bfischer@sfu.ca, bfall@sfu.ca
A new study published in the latest issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal links increased prescription of opioid-based painkillers to increased accidental death due to opioid use. In a commentary that accompanies the publication SFU health scientist Benedikt Fischer says, “Misuse of prescription drugs and related harms—including overdose mortality—have emerged in Canada as important challenges related to substance use, pain care and public health. It is time for governmental leadership and a concerted prevention strategy with closely monitored outcomes.” Fischer adds that Canada uses five times more prescription opioids per capita than the United Kingdom, and is second only to the United States in terms of its use of painkillers.
See:
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/abstract/181/12/891
http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/181/12/881?etoc
Benedikt Fischer, 778.782.5274, bfischer@sfu.ca, bfall@sfu.ca