Articles: opioid.
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Harm reduction journal · Jul 2018
Fentanyl-contaminated drugs and non-fatal overdose among people who inject drugs in Baltimore, MD.
The opioid crisis remains a major public health issue in the US and beyond. Despite rapid rises in fentanyl-related mortality nationally, little is known about the role of fentanyl in the occurrence of non-fatal overdose among people who use drugs. We examined the prevalence of non-fatal overdose and perceived fentanyl exposure among syringe services program (SSP) clients and modeled the correlates of non-fatal overdose. ⋯ These data demonstrate that SSP clients are at high-risk of overdose, some of which is likely attributable to fentanyl exposure. Addressing the rising fentanyl epidemic will require comprehensive and innovative strategies that attend to drug use patterns and structural factors such as homelessness.
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Expert Opin Pharmacother · Jul 2018
ReviewMethylnaltrexone bromide for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation.
The extensive and alarming use of opioids for pain management in patients with chronic pain receiving palliative care is associated with non-tolerable gastrointestinal (GI) adverse effects. Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is the most common adverse effect impairing patient quality of life (QOL). In addition, OIC is one of the treatment limiting consequences of opioid analgesics. ⋯ Expert opinion: Methylnaltrexone has both subcutaneous injection and oral dosage forms available in the market. The lack of more evidence in specific populations such as pregnant women, pediatrics and elderly still remains. The global consumption of methylnaltrexone shows a projection of increased use since its approval worldwide in 2008.
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Multiple or high dosage opioid prescriptions increase the risk of experiencing drug misuse and overdose. The authors examine index (first) and follow-up opioid prescriptions for 1 year among privately insured dental patients in the United States from 2010 through 2015. ⋯ Low dosages of opioids and the use of prescription drug monitoring programs before prescribing opioids may reduce the potential for drug misuse or overdose.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
The prevalence of constipation at admission and after 1 week of palliative care: a multi-center study.
To assess the prevalence and intensity of constipation in advanced-cancer patients referred to palliative care, and to assess changes after 1 week of specialist palliative care. ⋯ Constipation is present in approximately two-thirds of patients, and is principally associated with dehydration and the use of benzodiazepines. Patients with normal bowel function at initial assessment may see a worsening in their condition a week later due to lack of prevention or subsequent under-treatment.