Opioids in the management of persistent non-cancer pain. Issue 10 (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yamanaka, Shun; Miller, Lucy
• Is Part Of: Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine. Volume 20:Issue 10(2019)
• Page Start: 559
• Page End: 561
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Adverse effects -- chronic non-cancer pain -- dependence -- equivalent doses -- long-term effectiveness -- tolerance; Anesthesiology -- Periodicals; Critical care medicine -- Periodicals; Anesthesia -- Periodicals; Intensive care -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.9605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mpaic.2019.07.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0299

Abstract

Abstract: One in five Europeans suffers from persistent pain which, for the majority, is non-oncological in origin. Patients with persistent non-cancer pain (PNCP) are a heterogeneous group in whom there is significant biological, psychological and societal comorbidity. Recently, there has been a large increase in opioid prescribing for PNCP, despite its limited evidence base and adverse side effect profile, including opioid dependence. This review examines the effectiveness and safety of long-term opioids in PNCP, as well as current best practice guidelines on the initiation, monitoring and titration of opioids in the out-patient setting.