10% of Patients Continue to Use Opioids 3 to 6 Months After Heart Surgery
Nearly 10% of patients prescribed opioids to help manage pain following heart surgery continue to use them more than 90 days after the procedure, according to a new study from the University of Pennsylvania.
Opioids such as oxycodone, codeine, morphine, and tramadol are routinely prescribed for pain management in the United States and elsewhere. However, according to a press release, recent research has shown that the over-prescribing of opioids for short term pain management is a widespread issue in the United States. This can lead to new long-term opioid use and the development of opioid use disorder.
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