The number of American women who have died from overdosing on prescription painkillers has risen significantly since 1999, according to a Vital Signs report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The report summarizes as study by the center that found the number of fatal prescription painkiller overdoses rose 400 percent among women between 1999 to 2010, compared with a 265 percent increase among men.
While men are still more likely to die of a prescription painkiller overdose (more than 10,000 deaths in 2010), the CDC cites prescription painkiller overdoses as an under-recognized and growing problem for women, with more than 6,600 deaths in 2010.
This rise is linked to increased prescribing of these drugs during the past decade. Previous research has shown that women are more likely to suffer chronic pain, are more likely to be prescribed prescription painkillers, be given higher doses and/or use them for longer periods of time. Women are also more likely than man to engage in “doctor shopping” to obtain prescriptions from multiple prescribers.
Health care providers can play a role in improving the way painkillers are prescribed while making sure women have access to safe, effective pain treatment. Click here to learn more.