Report: Workers' Comp Opioid Utilization Down 11%

Utilization of prescription opioids among injured workers fell by 10.9% last year, according to a new drug-trend report from Express Scripts, although the drugs still accounted for 40% of the 25 most commonly dispensed medications. Express Scripts also reported a 38.8% decrease in utilization of compounded medications, which are customized formulations of drugs that often come with multiple ingredients and a steep price tag. Overall, pharmacy spending increased by 2.2% last year for workers’ compensation payers, said Express Scripts, the nation’s largest pharmacy benefit man...