What is the risk of overdose death for MME >=100 MME?

When evaluating the risk of overdose death related to morphine milligram equivalents (MME), research indicates that as the dosage increases, particularly at or above 100 MME, the risk of overdose escalates significantly. The choice indicating a 3-fold increase in risk reflects the findings from numerous studies that have shown that patients on higher doses, specifically those reaching 100 MME or more, experience a dramatically heightened risk of fatal overdose compared to those on lower doses.

This substantial increase in risk can be attributed to several factors, including the potential for respiratory depression, the accumulation of opioids in the system, and individual patient characteristics such as co-occurring substance use or underlying health issues. Higher MME levels often indicate tolerance or a need for more potent pain management, which can inadvertently elevate the risk for opioid-related adverse events, including overdose.

Overall, the association of 100 MME with a 3x risk of overdose death serves as a critical guideline for healthcare providers in evaluating and managing opioid prescriptions to promote patient safety and minimize harm.