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System Performance

Opioid Prescribing in Ontario

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Despite the increasing numbers of opioid-related deaths and the growing prevalence of opioid addiction, the total number of prescriptions filled in Ontario continues to rise.

Titled, 9 Million Prescriptions, this Health Quality Ontario report shows that:

  • People in Ontario filled more than 9 million prescriptions for opioids in 2015/16, up by nearly 450,000 prescriptions from three years earlier.

  • More people in Ontario are being prescribed stronger opioids. For example, the number of people who filled a prescription for hydromorphone – which is approximately five times stronger than morphine – increased by nearly 30% over three years, to almost 259,000 people, from just over 200,000.

  • Nearly two million people in Ontario fill prescriptions for opioids every year -- translating into one in every seven Ontarians, or 14% of the province’s population.


  • View online report     Download the report



    If you have a question about this report, email SystemPerformance@HQOntario.ca.


META:PHI

Learn more about META:PHI, a first-of-its-kind research project helping people struggling with opioid and alcohol addiction

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MyPractice: Primary Care

Are you a primary care physician practicing in Ontario? Coming this fall, Health Quality Ontario’s MyPractice: Primary Care Reports will provide data on opioid prescribing rates. Register now to receive your report.

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Opioid Wisely

Learn about Choosing Wisely Canada's campaign to reduce harms associated with opioid prescribing.

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Opioid Wisely campaign

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