Opioids

Opioids are overrated for some common back pain, a study suggests

New research calls into question prescribing the drugs even for short-term pain relief – especially given the risk of addiction.

Fentanyl death toll continues to surge in King County

King County continues to face an alarming number of drug-related fatalities, many related to the potent synthetic opioid, fentanyl. According to county data, there were 3 fentanyl-involved deaths in 2015. In recent years, such deaths have risen dramatically, totaling 712 last year.

New state dashboard shows rising drug-related deaths

A new state dashboard gives further insight into the number of drug-related deaths and hospitalizations occurring in Washington. The dashboard shows there were 7,598 fatal overdoses from 2017 through 2021, the majority related to opioids. Deaths have been climbing sharply for the past few years.

Increasing overdose deaths stress King County morgue

King County is experiencing a grim indicator of how bad the opioid crisis has become — a lack of space to store bodies. Public Health Director Faisal Khan said the Medical Examiner's office has finite space in the coolers they use, and that space is being exceeded on a regular basis.

Walmart poised to pay Washington millions for opioid programs

Walmart offers to pay $3.1 billion to settle opioid lawsuits

The retail giant become the latest major player in the drug industry to announce a plan to settle lawsuits filed by state and local governments over the toll of opioids sold at its pharmacies.

CDC issues new opioid prescribing guidance, giving doctors more leeway to treat pain

The updated recommendations seek to course correct after guidelines from 2016 were criticized for harshly limiting access to needed pain medication.