Opioid crisis: 12-month overdose deaths fall below 70,000

25 April 2019

US Health Secretary Alex Azar has outlined progress combating the ongoing opioid crisis, with an update one year on from a pledge from the US President to reduce unnecessary opioid prescriptions, expand treatment, and boost access to naloxone.

In a statement, the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) said the total amount of opioids being prescribed monthly has dropped by 34%.

From January 2017 to February 2019, the HHS has led a 484% increase in naloxone prescriptions dispensed by pharmacies, a 23% increase in patients receiving buprenorphine, and a 42% increase in prescriptions for naltrexone.

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