It’s easier than ever for doctors to prescribe a key medicine for opioid addiction since the U.S. government lifted an obstacle last year. But despite the looser restrictions and the ongoing overdose crisis, a new study finds little change in the number of people taking the medication.
Researchers analyzed prescriptions filled by U.S. pharmacies for the treatment drug buprenorphine. The number of prescribers rose last year after doctors no longer needed to get a special waiver to prescribe the drug, while the number of patients filling prescriptions barely budged.
It may take more than one year to see a bigger increase in patients, said study co-author Dr. Kao-Ping Chua of the University of Michigan Medical School.
“There are so many other barriers to prescribing that we have to address,” said Chua.
The findings were published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Philadelphia Eagles select cornerback Quinyon Mitchell with the No. 22 pick in the NFL draft
Miller retires Judge to finish first 4
Kylie Minogue plays peekaboo in sparkling black dress as she's honored at the TIME 100 Gala in NYC
DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Nationalisation is no answer to rail chaos
Bears banking on Caleb Williams after taking the 2022 Heisman winner with No. 1 pick in NFL draft
Arkansas woman pleads guilty to selling 24 boxes of body parts stolen from cadavers
Amy Childs puts on a busty display in a plunging black dress as she joins glamorous TOWIE co
Packers take Arizona offensive tackle Jordan Morgan with 25th overall pick in NFL draft
Ukrainian duo heads to the Eurovision Song Contest with a message: We're still here
Philadelphia Eagles select cornerback Quinyon Mitchell with the No. 22 pick in the NFL draft