“They Got How Much Methadone?” What We Learned About How to Best Respond to Opioid Dosage Errors (SA535)

Abstract

•Describe the risks associated with dosage errors for both long-acting opioids such as methadone and short-acting opioids such as morphine. Participants will be able to describe appropriate assessment components and frequency of assessment after an opioid dosage error and develop an appropriate plan of care based on the type and amount of opioid involved in the error.•Describe the components of a protocol outlining the safe and appropriate use of narcan in opioid tolerant patients with pain along with the risks of using narcan for full reversal of opioids in opioid tolerant patients with pain. Despite robust teaching, opioid dosage errors occur in the hospice and palliative care setting. This presentation will explore the components of a robust opioid teaching plan, including patient teaching tools. We will review the risks associated with opioid dosage errors based on the type of opioid (short or long acting) and the patient’s history of opioid use and discuss appropriate follow up for each type of dosage error. Narcan is not always the answer. We will share the protocol we developed in response to a methadone dosage error.