Utilization of prescription opioids in Canada's public drug plans, 2006/07 to 2012/13 / : Utilisation d'opioïdes sur ordonnance dans les régimes publics d'assurance-médicaments du Canada, de 2006-2007 à 2012-2013

"This study focuses on the use of opioids by beneficiaries of selected public drug plans in Canada. It reports on trends in the number of claims, drug cost and morphine equivalence from fiscal year 2006/07 to 2012/13. Morphine equivalence, which measures the relative potency of a particular opioid, was used to standardize the impact of utilization across opioids. The report compares different claimant groups based on the quantity of opioids utilized. Special focus is given to codeine, oxycodone and hydromorphone given the importance of their use in the treatment of pain."--Executive summary.