Data Resources
Analyzing Opioid Prescription Data and Oral Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MME)
CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control has compiled a data file of opioid analgesic medications by National Drug Code (NDC) to help with analyzing population-level opioid prescription data. The data file is referred as Opioid NDC and Oral MME Conversion File. The file is intended solely for research, analytic purposes, population-based retrospective opioid utilization reviews, surveillance of population-level opioid utilization, and other population-level monitoring purposes.
The file contains opioid NDCs with their linked oral morphine milligram equivalent (MME) conversion factors. The following information is also provided at the NDC level: product name, generic name, form of drug, Drug Enforcement Administration Schedule, strength, and unit of measure for strength.
To request access to the data file (Excel file, SAS file, reference SAS program), send an email to: OREInfo@cdc.gov. Please include:
- Subject line: “Request: 2019 CDC Opioid NDC and Oral MME Conversion File”
- Name
- Intended use of the data file (100 words or less outlining the type of research or surveillance)
- Name or type of your own prescription dataset (e.g. CMS prescription claims data, state PDMP data, etc.)
- Company / Affiliation
You will receive a response to your request for access within 5-7 business days of submission.
Note: The Opioid NDC and Oral MME Conversion File is not intended to assist with clinical decision-making. For clinical guidance on dosage of opioids for treatment of pain, including MME conversion factors for commonly prescribed opioids, see our provider resources on calculating daily dose for commonly prescribed opioids and/or consult the FDA-approved product labeling.
