Opioid prescriptions down 14 percent in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new report shows doctors are issuing fewer opioid prescriptions.

The state Department of Safety and Professional Services released a report Wednesday from the Controlled Substances Board. The report examines data compiled through the state's prescription drug monitoring program.

The report noted 1,109,174 opioid prescriptions were issued during the first quarter of 2017. That number dropped to 953,656 prescriptions in the fourth quarter of the year, a decrease of 14 percent.

Doctors issued 910,616 prescriptions during the first quarter of this year, down 4.5 percent from the fourth quarter of 2017.

Hydrocodone-acetaminophen, tramadol and oxycodone, all opioids, were the top three most dispensed drugs in the first quarter of the year, just as they were in the fourth quarter of 2017.

“Wisconsin prescribers are putting patients first and ensuring they have the information they need to make educated prescribing decisions,” Governor Walker said. “I am proud Wisconsin has a cutting-edge resource to help prescribers and law enforcement fight the opioid epidemic.”