Vital signs: overdoses of prescription opioid pain relievers- United States, 1999-2008.
Prevention C for DC and. Vital signs: overdoses of prescription opioid pain relievers---United States, 1999--2008. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2011;60(43):1487-92.
This study highlights the growing epidemic of opioid medication overdoses, which now account for more deaths than heroin and cocaine combined. Improved drug monitoring and safe prescribing practices are suggested prevention strategies.