Opioid safety among high-risk cancer survivors.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e19169-e19169
Author(s):  
Talya Salz ◽  
Akriti A. Mishra ◽  
Renee L. Gennarelli ◽  
Allison Lipitz-Snyderman ◽  
Denise Boudreau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Opioid Therapy ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Prescribing Practices ◽  
Management Procedure ◽  
After Cancer ◽  
High Risk Cancer ◽  
First 90 Days

e19169 Background: To mitigate risks of opioid-related harms, ASCO’s pain management guidelines for cancer survivors recommend that opioids be used in conjunction with other pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches. The guidelines also recommend caution when prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines concurrently. We evaluated these 2 metrics of safe prescribing as applied to chronic opioid therapy (COT) among older survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) and lung cancer (LC), two growing populations with high pain burden and prevalent risk factors for opioid-related harms (e.g., opioid use during treatment, history of substance use, distress). Methods: Using SEER-Medicare, we identified opioid-naïve adults diagnosed 2008-2015 with HNC or LC. We restricted analyses to survivors with ≥1 COT episode (≥90 days) occurring ≥1 year after cancer diagnosis and ≤120 days prior to hospice entry or cancer-related death (survivorship period). We report 2 opioid safety metrics during the survivorship period: 1) the proportion of survivors with non-opioid pain management (≥1 dispensing for a non-opioid, non-benzodiazepine pain medication or ≥1 claim for pain management procedure) concurrent with the first 90 days of the first COT episode and 2) the proportion of survivors with 0 dispensings for benzodiazepines within the first 90 days of the first COT episode. Results: Among opioid-naïve HNC (N = 5,500) and LC (N = 21,090) patients, 306 HNC (5.6%) and 927 LC survivors (4.4%) received COT during follow-up. Median duration of first survivorship COT episode was 5.2 and 4.9 months for HNC and LC, respectively. 64% of HNC survivors received non-opioid pain management concurrent with their first COT episode; 55% received an analgesic and 24% underwent a procedure. 75% of LC survivors received non-opioid pain management concurrent with their first COT episode; 67% received an analgesic and 35% underwent a procedure. 79% of HNC and 81% of LC survivors did not receive benzodiazepines during the first COT episode. Conclusions: Among older survivors of LC and HNC, less than 6% receive COT. However, of those, one-half of HNC survivors and more than a third of LC survivors receive guideline-discordant care by using COT without other pain management strategies or while using benzodiazepines. To minimize opioid-related harms, efforts should focus on improving safe COT prescribing practices for survivors. [Table: see text]

The role of transdermal compounding in opioid safety

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Caitlin V. Bucher, PharmD ◽  
A.J. Day, PharmD ◽  
Maria Carvalho, PhD
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Opioid Analgesics ◽  
Opioid Therapy ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Prescribing Practices ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Combination Drug

Since the number of prescriptions for opioid medications have continued to rise, there have been questions about the safety of using opioids in pain management. Traditionally, opioid analgesics were reserved for a few select conditions, such as terminal illness and surgery, but currently opioids have been readily prescribed for multiple conditions. The objective of this manuscript is to clarify the current state of opioid use and to discuss alternative transdermal analgesic therapies in pain management. Transdermal compounded medications are patient-specific and customizable to include different types of drugs, in various dosage strengths, that are to be delivered simultaneously in one application. Due to the different origins and types of pain, treatments may be most beneficial with multiple classes of drugs with various mechanisms of action. In addition, combination drug therapy may include nontraditional pain management options, and has the ability to maximize therapeutic effects of medications through additive or synergistic properties, without increasing the dosage strengths of the drugs. Many of the challenges faced when using oral opioid therapy may be overcome by using transdermal drug delivery since this route of administration reduces adverse effects, increases patient compliance, and limits exposure to potentially abusive drugs. Although prescribing practices surrounding opioids remains to be a controversial topic, the use of compounded pain medications may help healthcare providers effectively treat their patients while avoiding the use of addictive drugs.

scholarly journals Predictors of Chronic Opioid Use: A Population-level Analysis of North Carolina Cancer Survivors Using Multi-Payer Claims

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Devon K Check ◽  
Christopher D Bagett ◽  
KyungSu Kim ◽  
Andrew W Roberts ◽  
Megan C Roberts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Opioid Therapy ◽  
Adjusted Relative Risk ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Chronic Opioid Therapy ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Chronic Opioid Use

Abstract Background No population-based studies have examined chronic opioid use among cancer survivors who are diverse with respect to diagnosis, age group, and insurance status. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using North Carolina (NC) cancer registry data linked with claims from public and private insurance (2006–2016). We included adults with non-metastatic cancer who had no prior chronic opioid use (N = 38,366). We used modified Poisson regression to assess the adjusted relative risk of chronic opioid use in survivorship (>90-day continuous supply of opioids in the 13–24 months following diagnosis) associated with patient characteristics. Results Only 3.0% of cancer survivors in our cohort used opioids chronically in survivorship. Predictors included younger age (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 50–59 vs 60–69 = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–1.43), baseline depression (aRR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.06–1.41) or substance use (aRR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.15–1.78) and Medicaid (aRR vs Private = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.56–2.40). Survivors who used opioids intermittently (vs not at all) before diagnosis were twice as likely to use opioids chronically in early survivorship (aRR = 2.62, 95% CI = 2.28–3.02). Those who used opioids chronically (vs intermittently or not at all) during active treatment had a nearly 17-fold increased likelihood of chronic use in survivorship (aRR = 16.65, 95 CI = 14.30–19.40). Conclusions Younger and low-income survivors, those with baseline depression or substance use, and those who require chronic opioid therapy during treatment are at increased risk for chronic opioid use in survivorship. Our findings point to opportunities improve assessment of psychosocial histories and to engage patients in shared decision-making around long-term pain management, when chronic opioid therapy is required during treatment.

scholarly journals Pharmacological Strategies for Decreasing Opioid Therapy and Management of Side Effects from Chronic Use

Children ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. 163
Author(s):  
Genevieve D’Souza ◽  
Anava A Wren ◽  
Christina Almgren ◽  
Alexandra C. Ross ◽  
Amanda Marshall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Opioid Therapy ◽  
Outpatient Basis ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Pediatric Populations ◽  
Special Expertise ◽  
Pain Symptoms

As awareness increases about the side effects of opioids and risks of misuse, opioid use and appropriate weaning of opioid therapies have become topics of significant clinical relevance among pediatric populations. Critically ill hospitalized neonates, children, and adolescents routinely receive opioids for analgesia and sedation as part of their hospitalization, for both acute and chronic illnesses. Opioids are frequently administered to manage pain symptoms, reduce anxiety and agitation, and diminish physiological stress responses. Opioids are also regularly prescribed to youth with chronic pain. These medications may be prescribed during the initial phase of a diagnostic workup, during an emergency room visit; as an inpatient, or on an outpatient basis. Following treatment for underlying pain conditions, it can be challenging to appropriately wean and discontinue opioid therapies. Weaning opioid therapy requires special expertise and care to avoid symptoms of increased pain, withdrawal, and agitation. To address this challenge, there have been enhanced efforts to implement opioid-reduction during pharmacological therapies for pediatric pain management. Effective pain management therapies and their outcomes in pediatrics are outside the scope of this paper. The aims of this paper were to: 1) Review the current practice of opioid-reduction during pharmacological therapies; and 2) highlight concrete opioid weaning strategies and management of opioid withdrawal.

Chronic Pain Management in Cancer Survivors

2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 1104-1110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie Moryl ◽  
Nessa Coyle ◽  
Samuel Essandoh ◽  
Paul Glare
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Survivor ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Opioid Therapy ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Concurrent Disorders ◽  
Neoplastic Process ◽  
Anticancer Treatment

The problem of pain in cancer survivors is attracting increased attention. Although comprehensive information about the prevalence of persistent pain in the cancer survivor population is currently lacking, it is known to depend on the type of cancer, comorbid conditions, and the initial pain management. Epidemiologic studies generally categorize pain in patients with cancer as either pain directly caused by the neoplastic process or related phenomena, pain occurring as a complication of anticancer treatment, or pain unrelated to the neoplastic process, caused by debility or concurrent disorders. This article focuses on pain syndromes in cancer survivors and the safe use of opioid therapy in this population when its ongoing use is part of the pain management plan. The use of physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, which are all extremely important aspects of pain management in the cancer survivor, are briefly mentioned.

scholarly journals Evaluating health and well-being outcomes following the South Gloucestershire Pain Review pilot for patients on long-term opioids for chronic non-cancer pain

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp19X703445
Author(s):  
Jo Kesten ◽  
Lauren Scott ◽  
Kevin Bache ◽  
Rosie Closs ◽  
Sabi Redwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
The South ◽  
Health And Well Being

BackgroundThe South Gloucestershire Pain Review pilot is an individually-tailored service to help primary care patients on long-term (>3 months) treatment with opioid painkillers for chronic non-cancer pain understand their relationship with opioids and support alternative non-drug-based pain management strategies. The pilot was based in two GP practices in South Gloucestershire.AimTo evaluate the health and well-being outcomes and perceived impact of the pilot service to inform future service development.MethodQuantitative data were collected for all enrolled patients on demographics; opioid use, misuse and dose; and pre-post intervention changes in health, well-being, quality of life (QoL), pain intensity/relief, and interference with life measures. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews (18 service users, seven service providers) explored experiences of the pilot including perceived impacts.ResultsFifty-nine patients were invited to use the service and 34 (58%) enrolled. The median prescribed opioid dose reduced from 90 mg (interquartile range [IQR] 60–240) at baseline to 72 mg (IQR 30–160) at follow-up (P<0.001). On average, service users showed improvement on all health, well-being, and QoL outcomes except pain relief. The service was received positively. Perceived benefits related to well-being and QoL, use of pain management strategies (for example pacing), changes in medication use and changes in primary care use.ConclusionThe pilot has shown promising results. The service was viewed as acceptable and health and well-being outcomes suggest a benefit. Following further development of the service, a randomised controlled trial is needed to formally test the effects of this type of care pathway on pain management and reducing long-term opioid use.

How I treat pain in hematologic malignancies safely with opioid therapy

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 135 (26) ◽  
pp. 2354-2364
Author(s):  
Holly L. Geyer ◽  
Halena Gazelka ◽  
Ruben Mesa
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rates ◽  
Hematologic Malignancies ◽  
Opioid Therapy ◽  
Opioid Use Disorder ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Prescribing Practices ◽  
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs ◽  
Urine Drug ◽  
Life Threatening

Abstract The field of malignant hematology has experienced extraordinary advancements with survival rates doubling for many disorders. As a result, many life-threatening conditions have since evolved into chronic medical ailments. Paralleling these advancements have been increasing rates of complex hematologic pain syndromes, present in up to 60% of patients with malignancy who are receiving active treatment and up to 33% of patients during survivorship. Opioids remain the practice cornerstone to managing malignancy-associated pain. Prevention and management of opioid-related complications have received significant national attention over the past decade, and emerging data suggest that patients with cancer are at equal if not higher risk of opioid-related complications when compared with patients without malignancy. Numerous tools and procedural practice guides are available to help facilitate safe prescribing. The recent development of cancer-specific resources directing algorithmic use of validated pain screening tools, prescription drug monitoring programs, urine drug screens, opioid use disorder risk screening instruments, and controlled substance agreements have further strengthened the framework for safe prescribing. This article, which integrates federal and organizational guidelines with known risk factors for cancer patients, offers a case-based discussion for reviewing safe opioid prescribing practices in the hematology setting.

scholarly journals Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose in Older Adults With Breast, Colorectal, or Prostate Cancer

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew W Roberts ◽  
Samantha Eiffert ◽  
Elizabeth M Wulff-Burchfield ◽  
Stacie B Dusetzina ◽  
Devon K Check
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Opioid Therapy ◽  
Opioid Use Disorder ◽  
Opioid Overdose ◽  
Medicare Beneficiaries ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Medicare Data ◽  
End Results

Abstract Background Despite high rates of opioid therapy, evidence about the risk of preventable opioid harms among cancer survivors is underdeveloped. Our objective was to estimate the odds of opioid use disorder (OUD) and overdose following breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer diagnosis among Medicare beneficiaries. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using 2007-2014 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data for cancer survivors with a first cancer diagnosis of stage 0-III breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer at age 66-89 years between 2008 and 2013. Cancer survivors were matched to up to 2 noncancer controls on age, sex, and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results region. Using Firth logistic regression, we estimated adjusted 1-year odds of OUD or nonfatal opioid overdose associated with a cancer diagnosis. We also estimated adjusted odds of OUD and overdose separately and by cancer stage, prior opioid use, and follow-up time. Results Among 69 889 cancer survivors and 125 007 controls, the unadjusted rates of OUD or nonfatal overdose were 25.2, 27.1, 38.9, and 12.4 events per 10 000 patients in the noncancer, breast, colorectal, and prostate samples, respectively. There was no association between cancer and OUD. Colorectal survivors had 2.3 times higher odds of opioid overdose compared with matched controls (adjusted odds ratio = 2.33, 95% confidence interval  = 1.49 to 3.67). Additionally, overdose risk was greater in those with more advanced disease, no prior opioid use, and preexisting mental health conditions. Conclusions Opioid overdose was a rare, but statistically significant, outcome following stage II-III colorectal cancer diagnosis, particularly among previously opioid-naïve patients. These patients may require heightened screening and intervention to prevent inadvertent adverse opioid harms.

scholarly journals Opioid Use After Common Sports Medicine Procedures: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 225-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ujash Sheth ◽  
Mitesh Mehta ◽  
Fernando Huyke ◽  
Michael A. Terry ◽  
Vehniah K. Tjong
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Opioid Consumption ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Prescribing Practices ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Opioid Prescribing ◽  
Arthroscopic Procedures

Context: The prescription of opioids after elective surgical procedures has been a contributing factor to the current opioid epidemic in North America. Objective: To examine the opioid prescribing practices and rates of opioid consumption among patients undergoing common sports medicine procedures. Data Sources: A systematic review of the electronic databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed was performed from database inception to December 2018. Study Selection: Two investigators independently identified all studies reporting on postoperative opioid prescribing practices and consumption after arthroscopic shoulder, knee, or hip surgery. A total of 119 studies were reviewed, with 8 meeting eligibility criteria. Study Design: Systematic review. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Data Extraction: The quantity of opioids prescribed and used were converted to milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs) for standardized reporting. The quality of each eligible study was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies. Results: A total of 8 studies including 816 patients with a mean age of 43.8 years were eligible for inclusion. A mean of 610, 197, and 613 MMEs were prescribed to patients after arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder, knee, and hip, respectively. At final follow-up, 31%, 34%, and 64% of the prescribed opioids provided after shoulder, knee, and hip arthroscopy, respectively, still remained. The majority of patients (64%) were unaware of the appropriate disposal methods for surplus medication. Patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair had the highest opioid consumption (471 MMEs), with 1 in 4 patients receiving a refill. Conclusion: Opioids are being overprescribed for arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder, knee, and hip, with more than one-third of prescribed opioids remaining postoperatively. The majority of patients are unaware of the appropriate disposal techniques for surplus opioids. Appropriate risk stratification tools and evidence-based recommendations regarding pain management strategies after arthroscopic procedures are needed to help curb the growing opioid crisis.

scholarly journals Misalignment of Stakeholder Incentives in the Opioid Crisis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (20) ◽  
pp. 7535
Author(s):  
Alireza Boloori ◽  
Bengt B. Arnetz ◽  
Frederi Viens ◽  
Taps Maiti ◽  
Judith E. Arnetz
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Opioid Epidemic ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Payment Mechanisms ◽  
Shed Light ◽  
Opioid Substitution

The current opioid epidemic has killed more than 446,000 Americans over the past two decades. Despite the magnitude of the crisis, little is known to what degree the misalignment of incentives among stakeholders due to competing interests has contributed to the current situation. In this study, we explore evidence in the literature for the working hypothesis that misalignment rooted in the cost, quality, or access to care can be a significant contributor to the opioid epidemic. The review identified several problems that can contribute to incentive misalignment by compromising the triple aims (cost, quality, and access) in this epidemic. Some of these issues include the inefficacy of conventional payment mechanisms in providing incentives for providers, practice guidelines in pain management that are not easily implementable across different medical specialties, barriers in adopting multi-modal pain management strategies, low capacity of providers/treatments to address opioid/substance use disorders, the complexity of addressing the co-occurrence of chronic pain and opioid use disorders, and patients’ non-adherence to opioid substitution treatments. In discussing these issues, we also shed light on factors that can facilitate the alignment of incentives among stakeholders to effectively address the current crisis.

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