Women Of Reproductive Age Prescribed Opioids At Alarming Rate
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There is a disturbing new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that nearly four out of ten women of reproductive age and thirty percent of women with private insurance filled an opioid prescription between 2008-2012.
Not only is this a critical health issue but a major concern because it occurs during their reproductive years and can lead to an increase in birth defects.
Many women can be taking these medications unaware they are pregnant and could unknowingly be exposing their unborn child.
There has been a disturbing increase in the number of opioid drugs prescribed in the past five years and major medical organizations are trying to slow down the use when unnecessary.