One-Quarter of Narcotic Painkillers Misused, Study Shows

WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Almost a quarter of powerful narcotic painkillers that are prescribed for chronic pain are misused, and the rate of addiction among patients hovers near 10 percent, a new review shows.

The findings raise questions about the benefits of widespread use of these painkillers to treat chronic pain, the researchers said.

“On average, misuse was documented in approximately one out of four or five patients, and addiction [was found] in approximately one out of 10 or 11 patients,” who were prescribed the drugs as part of their treatment for chronic pain, wrote Kevin Vowles, from the University of New Mexico, and colleagues.

In the new review, researchers analyzed 38 published studies, 35 of which were conducted in the United States.

The average rates of misuse were 21 percent to 29 percent, while the average rates of addiction were 8 percent to 12 percent, according to the review in the April issue of the journal Pain.

Narcotic painkiller prescriptions have risen sharply in the past 15 years, along with related problems such as dependence, withdrawal and overdose, the researchers said in a journal news release. These medications are also known as “opioids.”

Opioid pain medications include hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), morphine and codeine.

“If it is accurate that approximately one in four patients on opioids display patterns of opioid misuse, but not addiction, then perhaps more efficient targeting of treatment resources would be of benefit,” the study authors wrote.

For example, education and monitoring could be used for patients at risk of misuse, instead of simply not giving them the medications.

Because of the high rates of misuse and addiction, the study authors added that they “are not certain that the benefits derived from opioids, which are rather unclear . . . compensate for this additional burden to patients and health-care systems.”

In an effort to stem misuse of these medications, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November approved a new type of narcotic painkiller that’s designed to help thwart abuse.

The new painkiller, known as Hysingla ER (hydrocodone bitartrate), has features that should reduce abuse of the drug. According to the FDA, the tablet is difficult to crush, break or dissolve, making it tougher for abusers to snort or inject it.

More information

The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about chronic pain medications.