Opioid Prescriptions Decline in Canada: A New Study Reveals Trends

A recent study has revealed that opioid prescriptions in Canada are on the decline, with significant implications for patient care and public health. Researchers from various Canadian health organizations analyzed collective data from six provinces and found that the number of new opioid prescriptions decreased by 8 percent between 2018 and 2022. Overall access to legally prescribed opioids dropped by 11 percent during the same period.

The study indicates notable regional disparities in prescription rates. Manitoba consistently had the highest opioid prescribing rate, while British Columbia reported the lowest. New prescriptions were predominantly higher among women, older adults, and individuals residing in low-income or rural communities. The most commonly dispensed opioid in 2022 was codeine, except in Quebec and Saskatchewan, where hydromorphone was more prevalent.

According to a 2019 Longwoods report, the surge in opioid prescriptions from the early 2000s to around 2012 contributed to an increase in opioid-related harms. Although the current decline in prescriptions does not directly address the ongoing opioid crisis, it represents a crucial part of the broader strategy to mitigate risks associated with opioid dependency.

Dr. Tara Gomes, a researcher at the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network and co-author of the study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, emphasized the importance of tracking opioid prescription patterns nationwide. She noted that the study reflects a shift in how healthcare professionals approach prescribing opioids, highlighting lessons learned from past overprescribing practices. “I think this reflects efforts that have been made to promote more careful and appropriate prescribing across the country and shows that those efforts have been working,” she stated.

Dr. Gomes indicated that while the decline in opioid prescriptions is promising, it is vital not to abruptly reduce doses for patients already on these medications. Alternatives, such as non-medication-based support and anti-inflammatory drugs, should be offered to ensure that patients receive adequate pain management.

The research also found that patients who were prescribed opioids began treatment at lower and safer doses compared to previous years. Dr. Gomes noted, “We really need to ensure that where we see these declines in opioid prescribing, those declines are occurring with shared decision-making between the prescriber and the patient.”

Dr. Alexander Caudarella, CEO of the Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction, expressed concern over the potential consequences of reducing prescriptions without adequate support systems in place. He cautioned that simply removing prescriptions could lead to an increase in individuals turning to illicit drugs. “If you just take the prescription away, you might be increasing the number of people who are using street drugs,” he warned.

The study’s findings indicate a need for tailored approaches in addressing the opioid crisis, as different provinces are experiencing varying trends. Dr. Caudarella emphasized that a “one size fits all approach” will not be effective in every community, particularly since some areas continue to see rising death rates despite the national decline.

Dr. Feng Chang, an associate professor at the University of Waterloo’s pharmacy school, remarked that the study’s results align with national initiatives aimed at educating healthcare professionals about responsible opioid prescribing. She highlighted the role of pharmacists in enhancing opioid education and distributing naloxone kits, which have contributed to increased awareness among clinicians.

Looking ahead, Dr. Gomes hopes the decline in opioid prescriptions will stabilize over the next five to ten years, ensuring that opioids are prescribed judiciously to patients who truly need them. “We don’t want that rate to go down to zero because opioids do have a place in clinical practice for helping to manage pain,” she emphasized.

As Canada navigates the complexities of opioid management, the findings from this study underscore the importance of careful prescribing practices, patient support, and ongoing education for healthcare professionals.