The pandemic has led to an increase in drug use and opioid overdoses in 2020, making it even more important for the workers compensation industry to scrutinize new prescriptions and monitor claimants who are long-term opioid users, according to a study released Monday by Mitchell International Inc.

The software firm’s 2020 clinical trends report revealed that the effects of the pandemic have led to an uptick in opioid-related deaths, and that the usage of drugs, including alcohol, is likely to increase as a result of the increases in stress, anxiety and mental health issues as the pandemic continues.

Since the beginning of the shutdown, suspected drug overdoses increased by nearly 20%, the study revealed.

“We expect that the fallout from the pandemic in relation to general drug abuse, and specifically opioid abuse, will continue to ripple throughout the upcoming years,” said the report’s author, Mitch Freeman, chief clinical officer and vice president of Mitchell International Pharmacy Solutions

While overdoses are not directly related to opioid prescriptions, Mr. Freeman found that 4% to 6% of opioid misusers switched to heroin, and that 80% of heroin users previously misused prescription opioids.

Studies of opioid prescribers have found that orthopedists and surgeons were among the highest prescribers of opioids, the highest prescribing surgeons dolling out 40 to 70 pills to a patient on average.

This past year also saw topical medications continue as a price driver, with the National Library of Medicine finding that from 2005 to 2016, the average wholesale price for topicals increased by 237% for generic versions and 379% for name-brand topicals, Mr. Freeman wrote. 

While the use of marijuana and its legalization continues to spread, the limited studies on its medicinal uses and side effects have not led to its increased use in workers compensation, according to the study.

Finally, the comp sector has also seen an increase in high-priced therapeutic alternatives, which “are typically generic drugs that have different chemicals than the brand drug but are expected to have a similar clinical effect and safety profile,” Mr. Freeman said. For instance, he said, the drug Duexis costs approximately $3,000 per month, though it’s made with the same ingredients as ibuprofen and famotidine, which combined cost about $30.

More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.