Although men are still more likely to die of prescription painkiller overdoses (more than 10,000 deaths in 2010), the gap between men and women is closing. Deaths from prescription painkiller overdose among women have risen more sharply than among men; since 1999 the percentage increase in deaths was more than 400% among women compared to 265% in men. This rise relates closely to increased prescribing of these drugs during the past decade. Health care providers can help improve the way painkillers are prescribed while making sure women have access to safe, effective pain treatment.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention July Vital Signs report details the data behind this alarming rise in pain killer deaths among women and offers guidance to prescribing physicians. CDC Director Tom Frieden discuss the issue in this briefing:
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