High Opioid Use Found in Older Rheumatic Patients
Nearly 18% of older adults with rheumatic conditions met the criteria for chronic opioid use during the 2021 study period.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Arthritis
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A 2021 analysis of Medicare data shows that 43% of older adults with rheumatic diseases filled at least one opioid prescription, with 18% meeting criteria for chronic use. The findings highlight significant patterns in opioid prescribing for older patients managed by both rheumatologists and primary care clinicians.
Why it matters
Understanding these prescribing trends is critical for older adults managing chronic joint pain, as researchers identified clear links between socioeconomic status, specific rheumatic conditions, and the likelihood of long-term opioid use.
In a cross-sectional study of 45,455 older adults with a mean age of 75.8, 43.13% filled an opioid prescription in 2021, and 17.93% met criteria for chronic use. These findings remain preliminary regarding the clinical necessity of these prescriptions across diverse rheumatology populations.
The players
Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness
A national registry used to track and improve the quality of care for patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions.
The details
The study linked the Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness registry to Medicare claims to track opioid use. Chronic use was defined as at least 90 days of supply. Researchers found that clinicians outside of rheumatology, such as primary care providers, wrote 62.60% of these claims, while rheumatology-affiliated clinicians wrote 33.36%. Higher odds of chronic use were tied to comorbidities like fibromyalgia and mood disorders, as well as living in socioeconomically deprived areas.
Timeline
The data reflects opioid prescription patterns recorded throughout 2021.
The study findings were published online on October 15, 2026.
Health Landscape
This analysis provides an updated view of opioid prescribing within the U.S. rheumatology community. It sits against established efforts by the Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness to monitor treatment quality and minimize reliance on long-term opioids for chronic pain management.
If you are managing a rheumatic condition, it is worth discussing your pain management plan and all current medications with your physician. Ask specifically about how your current strategy aligns with evidence-based approaches to avoiding long-term opioid use.
The takeaway
Chronic pain management in rheumatic conditions is complex and often involves multiple prescribing clinicians. Review your medication list annually with your healthcare provider to ensure your treatment plan remains safe and appropriate for your long-term health.
Further reading
For more information on managing long-term joint health and pain, visit Arthritis.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medscape.
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