US states with prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are associated with reductions in opioid use, measured by volume, among disabled and older adult Medicare beneficiaries as compared with states that do not have PDMPs, a recent study found. Primary outcomes were monthly total opioid volume, mean daily morphine milligram equivalent (MME) dose per prescription and number of opioid prescriptions dispensed. The key predictors were PDMP status and time. Tests for moderation examined PDMP impact by Medicare eligibility (disability vs age) and drug plan [privately provided Medicare Advantage (MAPD) vs fee-for-service (PDP)].

Researchers found:

• Overall, PDMP implementation was associated with reduced opioid volume and no changes in mean MMEs or opioid prescriptions 12 months after implementation compared with non-PDMP states.
• There was evidence of strong moderation effects.
• In PDMP states, estimated monthly opioid volumes decreased 1.67 kg and 0.75 kg among disabled and older adults, respectively, and 1.2 kg, regardless of plan type.
• Dispensed prescriptions increased 259/month among the disabled and decreased 610/month among MAPD beneficiaries.