Do Prescription Drug–Monitoring Programs Prevent Opioid Overdose Deaths?

Escalating opioid-related deaths in recent years in the U.S. have prompted states to introduce prescription drug–monitoring programs (PDMPs) to deter opioid overprescribing, diversion (i.e., transfer of opioid drugs from intended patients to unintended users), and prescription misuse. In this systematic review of 17 observational studies, researchers assessed the effects of PDMP implementation on both fatal and nonfatal opioid overdoses.

Ten studies suggested that PDMPs might lower fatal opioid overdoses; however, 3 studies showed increases in heroin overdose deaths following PDMP implementation. Individual PDMP features that were associated with fewer opioid overdoses include data-sharing among states, mandatory provider review of PDMP data…