Opioids News and Research

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An opioid is a chemical that works by binding to opioid receptors, which are found principally in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. The receptors in these two organ systems mediate both the beneficial effects and the side effects of opioids.

Guidelines to control opioid prescribing for post-surgery pain

A recent study, conducted at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, suggests that more vigilant prescribing guidelines could reduce the number of opioid pills a patient receives after surgery, whilst still meeting pain management needs.

1 Dec 2017

Guideline for surgeons could reduce opioids prescribed after operations by 40%

Rising rates of opioid prescriptions have been linked to the opioid epidemic, and a significant number of opioid deaths have been linked to prescriptions written by surgeons.

1 Dec 2017

Review: Program produces positive results for offenders with mental health or addiction issues

A review of a state program launched two years ago to improve recovery and reduce recidivism among felony offenders who have mental health or addiction issues shows the program is producing positive results.

30 Nov 2017

Researchers receive DoD grant to identify alternatives to opioids for pain management

What does a marine snail's ability to kill prey with two shots of venom have to do with the opioid epidemic ravaging the United States?

29 Nov 2017

Study highlights need to focus on all opioid prescribers to curb epidemic

A cross-section of opioid prescribers that typically do not prescribe large volumes of opioids, including primary care physicians, surgeons and non-physician health care providers, frequently prescribe opioids to high-risk patients, according to a new study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

29 Nov 2017

Doctors make big money testing urine for drugs, then ignore abnormal results

In April 2014, state and federal drug agents raided Jeffrey Campbell's medical clinic in Jeffersonville, Ind. Police cars blocked the parking lot as bewildered patients scattered and the agents carted off boxes of records from the doctor's office.

29 Nov 2017

Study reveals patients at high risk for opioid overdose deaths

Just over 60 percent of individuals who died from an opioid overdose had been diagnosed with a chronic pain condition, and many had been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, a study of more than 13,000 overdose deaths has found.

28 Nov 2017

84 year old doctor refused license renewal due to inability to use a computer

An 84 year old doctor - Dr. Anna Konopka was denied a license renewal by a New Hampshire Judge because she is unable to use a computer.

27 Nov 2017

Researchers find link between negative emotions and higher opioid use in people with sickle cell disease

In a small study using data from daily electronic patient diaries, Johns Hopkins researchers say they have found a link between negative emotions, such as sadness and anxiety, and higher opioid use in people with sickle cell disease whose pain levels were self-reported as relatively low.

27 Nov 2017

Scientists identify new method of treating neuropathic pain in mice

New research from King's College London has revealed a previously undiscovered mechanism of cellular communication, between neurons and immune cells, in neuropathic pain.

27 Nov 2017

Digital pills can help track opioid use patterns

Digital pills - gelatin capsules that contain an ingestible sensor along with medication - can help track patterns of drug use, and Brigham and Women's Hospital clinicians are among the first to explore the application of this new technology among patients being prescribed opioids.

20 Nov 2017

Separating side effects could pave way for safe, effective pain medications

Opioid pain relievers can be extremely effective in relieving pain, but can carry a high risk of addiction and ultimately overdose when breathing is suppressed and stops.

16 Nov 2017

One in 20 children still receiving codeine to treat pain despite warning from federal regulators

A new study shows as many as one in 20 children were still receiving codeine to treat pain after tonsil and adenoid surgery, two years after federal regulators warned doctors that prescribing the opioid to kids after the routine surgeries could be fatal.

16 Nov 2017

FDA permits marketing of first electric stimulation device to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted a new indication to an electric stimulation device for use in helping to reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

16 Nov 2017

FDA issues warning against use of herbal medicine Kratom

The United States Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has issued a public notice yesterday, 14th November 2017, regarding the risks associated with herbal drug Kratom. Kratom has been used for a long time and still finds numerous users.

14 Nov 2017

Taking a page from pharma’s playbook to fight the opioid crisis

Dr. Mary Meengs remembers the days, a couple of decades ago, when pharmaceutical salespeople would drop into her family practice in Chicago, eager to catch a moment between patients so they could pitch her a new drug.

14 Nov 2017

CBT offers valuable treatment alternative for millions taking opioids for chronic pain

By teaching patients better strategies for coping with chronic pain, cognitive behavioral therapy is a valuable treatment alternative for the millions of Americans taking opioids for noncancer pain, according to an article in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice. The journal is published by Wolters Kluwer.

9 Nov 2017

MGH researchers identify first effective treatment option for autoimmune small-fiber polyneuropathy

An analysis of the medical records of patients treated at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) for an often-mysterious condition involving damage to small nerve fibers supports the hypothesis that some cases are caused by autoimmune disease and also identifies the first effective treatment option.

9 Nov 2017

Research examines trend in hospitalizations from opioid poisonings

Preliminary research presented today at APHA's 2017 Annual Meeting and Expo examined the trend in hospitalizations from opioid poisonings in West Virginia, a state heavily impacted by the current opioid overdose crisis.

7 Nov 2017

Many patients with knee, hip and spine osteoarthritis use opioids to manage chronic pain

A large percentage of patients with end-stage knee, hip and spine osteoarthritis use opioids to manage their chronic pain, especially those who are younger or have symptoms of depression, according to new research findings presented this week at the 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting in San Diego.

6 Nov 2017

Opioids News and Research

Further Reading

Guidelines to control opioid prescribing for post-surgery pain

Guideline for surgeons could reduce opioids prescribed after operations by 40%

Review: Program produces positive results for offenders with mental health or addiction issues

Researchers receive DoD grant to identify alternatives to opioids for pain management

Study highlights need to focus on all opioid prescribers to curb epidemic

Doctors make big money testing urine for drugs, then ignore abnormal results

Study reveals patients at high risk for opioid overdose deaths

84 year old doctor refused license renewal due to inability to use a computer

Researchers find link between negative emotions and higher opioid use in people with sickle cell disease

Scientists identify new method of treating neuropathic pain in mice

Digital pills can help track opioid use patterns

Separating side effects could pave way for safe, effective pain medications

One in 20 children still receiving codeine to treat pain despite warning from federal regulators

FDA permits marketing of first electric stimulation device to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms

FDA issues warning against use of herbal medicine Kratom

Taking a page from pharma’s playbook to fight the opioid crisis

CBT offers valuable treatment alternative for millions taking opioids for chronic pain

MGH researchers identify first effective treatment option for autoimmune small-fiber polyneuropathy

Research examines trend in hospitalizations from opioid poisonings

Many patients with knee, hip and spine osteoarthritis use opioids to manage chronic pain

Achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 27001 and BS 10012 certifications

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

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