Opioids Found Frequently in Claims With Multiple Prescriptions, CWCI Reports

Injured workers who are taking five or more prescription drugs at a time are more likely to be older than 50, have a back injury or have a long-running claim compared to claimants who are taking fewer drugs, according to a new report from the California Workers’ Compensation Institute. CWCI used its Industry Research Information System, or IRIS, to analyze claims in which at least one prescription was dispensed in 2016 or 2017. In 43% of those claims, only one drug was prescribed at a time. But in 33% of claims where prescriptions were dispensed, two drugs were being taken at the same ...