In a bid to curb opioid misuse and abuse, Walmart Inc., has announced that it will only fill first-time opioid prescriptions for acute pain to seven days or even less across the United States. Reportedly, the initiative will be commenced within 60 days and comes on the heels of the rising number of healthcare entities tightening the rules surrounding the filing of opioid prescriptions.

Sources reveal that pharmacies, beginning 1^st January 2020, will be restricting the dosage of opioids to not more than 50 MMEs (morphine milligrams equivalent) per day and will require online prescriptions for controlled substances. The e-prescriptions are deemed to minimize error and prevent prescription frauds.  

Marybeth Hays, Walmart’s executive VP of health and wellness and consumables, was quoted stating that the company is taking action in the fight against the nation’s opioid epidemic. In an effort to continue to be a part of the solution, Walmart is introducing new programs, tools and policies that will be aimed at addressing the critical issues faced by the patients & communities.

Reliable reports claim that the initiatives will also be applicable to Sam’s Club Pharmacies, which is owned by Walmart. Several other companies have also been making similar efforts to help mitigate the opioid epidemic.

As per industry analysts, these proposals have disclosed that limitations are important to lower the number of painkillers that are available to be unlawfully diverted, stem overprescribing, and lower the potential for addiction.

Opioid overdose crisis and the proposal for its limits have garnered significant support from several shareholders, owing to which a bill in the Senate will be restricting the initial prescriptions for acute pain to 3 days.

Meanwhile, the AMA (American Medical Association) has countered that the limits over opioid dosage & supply are arbitrary and believes that the decision needs to be left between the physician and the patient.