WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) - Insurance company Highmark will start to limit the number of opioids new patients can be prescribed.
The News Journal of Wilmington reports the restrictions will start March 8. The company's Thursday announcement says people in need of opioids due to an acute accident or procedure will only get a seven-day supply. Those in need of long-term pain management, such as cancer patients, will not be affected by the restriction.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports people who use opioids for a single day have a 6 percent chance of addiction, and those who use them for seven days have a 13 percent chance.
Company spokesman Leilyn Perri says those who believe they need more than a week's supply can consult their doctor.
