Predictors of fatal and nonfatal overdose after prescription of opioids for chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Lit review
by
Wang, Li et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

International

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

We sought to identify predictors of fatal and nonfatal overdose from prescription opioids.

Findings/Key points

Moderate- to high-certainty evidence supported large relative associations with history of overdose, higher opioid dose, 3 or more prescribers, 4 or more dispensing pharmacies, prescription of fentanyl, current substance use disorder, any mental health diagnosis, depression, bipolar disorder or pancreatitis, with absolute risks among patients with the predictor ranging from 2–6 per 1000 for fatal overdose and 4–12 per 1000 for nonfatal overdose.

Design/methods

Lit review (28 studies included)

Keywords

Chronic pain
Overdose
Mortality