Prescribing Opioids Dramatically Reduced Deaths & Overdoses Among Users Of Illegal Opioids In British Columbia

Prescribing medical-grade opioids reduced the rates of deaths and overdoses by half for users of illegal opioids in British Columbia (B.C.). Those who were prescribed medical-grade opioids had a 61% lower risk of death from any cause the following week, and were 55% less likely to die of an overdose the following week. “Medical-grade opioids” are defined as prescriptions filled under the B.C. Risk Mitigation Guide (RMG): a clinical guidance developed in March 2020 to allow for physical distancing during COVID-19, and to reduce deaths through harm reduction. These prescribed medications could include hydromorphone . . .