Overdose Risk After Initial Opioid Prescription Triple Among Older Adults

The risk of an opioid overdose among older adults who received their first opioid prescription was three times higher among those age 75 and older compared to those ages 35 to 44, according to a study of 236,921 people in Oregon. About 0.28% (667 people) of the study participants who filled an initial opioid prescription also experienced an overdose. The risk of overdose was also higher among those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or in Medicaid. Those with comorbid addiction disorder or other mental health disorders also had higher risk of overdose.

Compared to people with commercial . . .