Opioid Makers' Promotions Influence Prescriptions

May 14, 2018

A new study suggests that doctors who accept money and perks from companies who manufacture opioids are more likely to prescribe these drugs to their patients, notes an article in US News and World Report.  On average, prescription rates rose 9% in the year after payments, with each perk having a cumulative effect on the increase.  CP3 Co-Director Julie Donohue was quoted in the article, observing that, although the study doesn't demonstrate causation, "industry promotion [likely] influences prescribing behavior" and that policies limiting industry perks may be hepful.