Pain
Daily News Podcast
MDedge Daily News: Why the barber’s chair can help hypertension
And how excessive daytime sleepiness could lead to dementia.
Conference Coverage
The case for being open-minded about medical marijuana
LAS VEGAS – As part of an open approach, educate patients about effective alternative treatments to medical cannabis, an expert advises.
Feature
Opioid prescriptions got shorter in 2017
Pharmacy benefits manager reports increased use of drugs to treat opioid dependence.
From the Journals
Nonopioid analgesics have no major disadvantages vs. opioids for chronic pain
Chronic pain patients may be able to improve function without increasing risk of addiction.
FDA/CDC
Opioid deaths in the ED increase nationally
Opioid overdose deaths have reached an all-time high across the country.
FDA/CDC
FDA alerts doctors to stop administering compounded products
Patients could be at risk for serious harms if they receive drugs manufactured by this company.
From the Journals
Serotonin syndrome risk with triptans and antidepressants ‘very low’
Results cast doubt on the validity of the FDA’s advisory warning in 2006.
Hitting a Nerve
Serotonin syndrome warnings magnify its rare probability
Dr. Allan M. Block wonders why more serious side effects of other drugs aren’t addressed by warnings.
From the Journals
Persistent opioid use a risk after surgery in teens and young adults
Higher initial opioid requirements didn’t necessarily mean persistent opioid use later.
From the Journals
Novel herpes zoster vaccine is more cost effective than old vaccine
Cost-effectiveness can be an important factor in considering patient treatment for herpes zoster.
FDA/CDC
New buprenorphine formulation approved for medication-assisted treatment
Patients who are currently taking other buprenorphine formulations can be transitioned.