In an effort to fight the opioid epidemic, CVS is taking matters into its' own hands. The pharmaceutical company announced Friday it will begin limiting opioid prescriptions to a seven day supply for certain conditions, which is among several initiatives CVS is taking.
CVS manages medications for nearly 90 million plan members, making it one of the largest pharmaceutical chains in the U.S. The new restriction will apply to patients who are new to pain therapy.
The program will also limit the daily dosage of pain pills based on their strength.
This program will begin February of 2018.
"Anytime any organization makes any type of system changes to make it easier for health care providers or for the community to make healthy, smart choices," Dr. Burstein, Erie County Health Commissioner, said.
According to Dr. Burstein, there are 127 confirmed opioid overdose deaths and 129 suspected in Erie County so far in this year.
