Research on PDMPs 'Insufficient,' Study Claims

Prescription drug monitoring programs have been called a key tool in the battle to reduce overuse of prescription opioids. But an analysis published this week that reviews 17 past research studies says there is insufficient evidence to determine whether PDMPs reduce fatal or non-fatal drug overdoses. In fact, the study authors say, PDMPs may have “unintended consequences” relating to heroin overdoses. Three of six studies included in the analysis that looked at the relationship between PDMPs and heroin overdose found an increase in heroin overdoses after PDMP implementation....