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Alexandria, VA – The American Association of Poison Control Centers and American Humane are urging first responders to call the 24-hour Poison Help Hotline if they or their canine partners are exposed to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid considered up to 50 times more potent than heroin.
Atlanta – Opioids, including those obtained by prescription as well as illegal forms such as heroin, were involved in more than 33,000 overdose deaths in 2015 – more than any year on record and nearly quadruple the number of overdoses recorded in 2000, according to the latest issue of "Business Pulse" from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Minneapolis – People with chronic low back pain are more likely to use illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota.
On average, 52 people die every day in the United States as a result of
prescription opioid overdoses, and statistics show that prescription
painkillers such as Oxycontin, Percocet and Vicodin account for more drug
overdoses than heroin and cocaine combined.
The number of Americans dying from prescription painkiller overdoses has quadrupled since 1999, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Injured workers are often prescribed narcotics to help relieve their pain. The National Safety Council has launched an initiative aimed at preventing overdoses.
Hamilton, Ontario – Being prescribed an opioid for low back pain may keep workers off the job longer, according to a new study from McMaster University.
Bethesda, MD – Until more research is conducted on the safety and effectiveness of opioid painkillers, the health care community should focus on individualized care for the one-third of Americans who experience chronic pain, an independent panel of medical experts has concluded.
Lansing, MI – The Michigan Workers’ Compensation Agency has amended some of its rules on prescription opioids in an effort to address drug abuse among injured workers.
Most people taking opioid painkillers for long-term treatment are prescribed additional medications that could lead to a fatal drug combination, according to a report by prescription management company Express Scripts.
