1. And, most of the morphine equivalents dispensed are
received by COT patients on higher dose regimens, thereby becoming
available for diversion for non-medical use.
0%
23%
45%
68%
90%
Chronic Pain Patients Using Opioids Long-term All Other Pain Patients
Percent total morphine equivalents (ME) dispensed in 2008
60 %
of total ME
dispensed
27 %
of total ME
dispensed
13 %
of total ME
dispensed
(Acute & Cancer Pain)
Average daily
dose > 50 mg.
Average daily
dose < 50 mg.