Opioid prescriptions for gastrointestinal diseases have increased by 0.5 percent each year between 2006 and 2016 in the U.S., a study published in the April 2021 issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology found.
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study with data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2006 to 2016, and the International Classification of Diseases identified ambulatory visits with a gastrointestinal diagnosis.
More than 12,000 visits with a primary gastrointestinal diagnosis were analyzed. Between 2006 and 2016, researchers found opioid prescription rates for gastrointestinal diseases increased 0.5 percent yearly. Prescription rates were highest for chronic pancreatitis and chronic liver disease visits, and 71 percent of opioid prescriptions were renewals.
Researchers concluded: "Opioid prescription rates for gastrointestinal disease visits increased from 2006 to 2016. Our findings suggest an inadequate response to the opioid epidemic by providers managing gastrointestinal conditions. Further clinical interventions are needed to limit opioid use for gastrointestinal disease."