The powerful drug methadone accounts for one-third of all painkiller deaths in 13 states, including Utah, according to a new report.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday called for doctors to rein in how they prescribe the drug.
In Utah, the number of methadone-related deaths has dropped as efforts to educate physicians and the public have increased.
In 2009, the Utah Department of Health issued guidelines telling doctors to rarely if ever prescribe methadone for acute pain and that it should be prescribed by providers who know the risks and will carefully monitor patients.
While state funding has run out for the health department’s program to reduce painkiller-related deaths, some efforts continue. The state requires physicians take extra classes on prescribing opioids before renewing their license. Salt Lake Tribune
