Pain
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.
Opinion
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
Serotonin syndrome risk with triptans and antidepressants ‘very low’
Results cast doubt on the validity of the FDA’s advisory warning in 2006.
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.
FDA/CDC
New buprenorphine formulation approved for medication-assisted treatment
Patients who are currently taking other buprenorphine formulations can be transitioned.
From the Journals
Fremanezumab may reduce chronic migraine frequency
Participants saw reductions of between 4 and 5 migraine and headache days per month with the drug over 12 weeks.
Latest News
CMS to enlist Medicare Part D plans to combat opioid abuse
Officials would like to extend the use the criteria for overutilizers to identify at-risk beneficiaries, then allow insurers to limit their access...
Latest News
Use of opioids, SSRIs linked to increased fracture risk in RA
Osteoporotic fracture risk increase started even after 1-30 days of opioid use, results from an analysis of national data show.