Articles: opioid.
-
The opioid epidemic has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality in the U. S. Health systems, policymakers, payers, and public health have enacted numerous strategies to reduce the harms of opioids, including opioid use disorder (OUD). ⋯ Key tertiary prevention strategies include the expansion of harm reduction services, including expanding naloxone availability and syringe exchange programs. The ACPM Opioid Workgroup also identifies opportunities for de-implementation, in which historical and current practices may be ineffective or causing harm. De-implementation strategies include reducing inappropriate opioid prescribing; avoiding mandatory one-size-fits-all policies; eliminating barriers to medications for OUD, debunking the myth of detoxification as a primary solo treatment for opioid use disorder; and destigmatizing care practices and policies to better treat people with OUD.
-
Palliative medicine · Sep 2022
Case ReportsA peripheral opioid antagonist for treating urinary retention induced by opioids: A case report.
Urinary retention is a poorly studied opioid-related adverse effect. There is a paucity of data regarding the treatment of such disturbance in patients with advanced cancer receiving opioids. ⋯ In this case report, the effect of the peripheral opioid antagonist was prompt and long-lasting. Future studies of this neglected adverse effect of opioids should be performed to confirm this observation.
-
The opioid crisis in the USA and in other developed countries can potentially affect low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The licit medical use of opioids has two sides. The USA and high-income countries maintain abundant supply for medical prescription. ⋯ Physicians and nurses in Asia and Africa engaged in cancer pain relief and palliative care face a constant paucity of opioids. Millions of patients in LMICs, suffering from life-modifying cancer pain, do not have access to morphine and other essential opioids, due to restrictive opioid policies. Attention will be needed to improve opioid availability in large parts of the world, even though the opioid crisis has led to control the licit medical use in the USA.