Addressing Opioid Dose Limits as a Route to Deterring Prescription Drug Abuse

A study by our pharmacy experts shows the positive impact of dose-limit policies implemented by a state Medicaid program. The team evaluated prior authorization policy-based opioid prescription limits implemented over a 15-year period and found that a sequential and progressive opioid dose reduction strategy was successful in decreasing the average daily opioid dose among Medicaid members in Massachusetts. It also showed a significant decrease in members receiving the highest doses. The results can be useful for policymakers and other Medicaid programs as they consider potential strategies to address the opioid epidemic.