Use In Chronic Non-cancer Pain Research Articles

The prescribing of opioids for chronic noncancer pain in the menopausal and postmenopausal population: a drug utilisation study in the United Kingdom.

Opioid use for chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) is consistently higher in menopausal/postmenopausal women than in younger women or men, elevating their risk of opioid-related adverse health outcomes. Since pain severity increases with hormonal changes accompanying menopause, these women should be a focus of opioid stewardship efforts. To examine opioid prescribing trends for CNCP in menopausal/postmenopausal women diagnosed with a musculoskeletal condition. Population-based drug utilisation study using IQVIA Medical Research Data UK. Annual opioid prescribing incidence, prevalence, and average duration of use were calculated for a cohort of women aged 50-79 with musculoskeletal conditions newly diagnosed between 2010-2021. Specific results were stratified by age, pain indication, and Townsend score. From 2010 to 2021, incident prescribing rates of opioids increased in women aged 50-54 (161.4 [95% CI 149.7-174.0] per 1000 PYAR in 2010 to 239.6 [95% CI 211.7-271.2] per 1000 PYAR in 2021); these women discontinued opioid use faster (~1 year) than older age groups (~2 years). Overall, opioid prescribing prevalence decreased from 23% in 2010 to 14% in 2021, and average opioid use duration decreased from 3 years to 1 year (2010 - post-2017) in women aged 50-79. The overall observed decrease in prevalence and average duration of opioid use is encouraging. Incident prescriptions are rising in women aged 50-54 and those with fibromyalgia while remaining steady in women aged 55-79. Understanding the impact of menopause/post-menopause on opioid use trends is important for effective opioid stewardship.

The Impact of Nonpharmacological Interventions on Opioid Use for Chronic Noncancer Pain: A Scoping Review.

Despite the lack of evidence, opioids are still routinely used as a solution to long-term management for chronic noncancer pain (CNCP). Given the significant risks associated with long-term opioid use, including the increased number of unregulated opioid pills at large in the opioid ecosystem, opioid cessation or reduction may be the desired goal of the patient and clinician. Viable nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) to complement and/or replace opioids for CNCP are needed. Comprehensive reviews that address the impact of NPIs to help adults with CNCP reduce opioid use safely are lacking. We conducted a literature search in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus for studies published in English. The initial search was conducted in April 2021, and updated in January 2024. The literature search yielded 19,190 relevant articles. Thirty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria and underwent data extraction. Of these, nineteen (49%) were randomized controlled trials, eighteen (46%) were observational studies, and two (5%) were secondary analyses. Among adults with CNCP who use opioids for pain management, studies on mindfulness, yoga, educational programs, certain devices or digital technology, chiropractic, and combination NPIs suggest that they might be an effective approach for reducing both pain intensity and opioid use, but other NPIs did not show a significant effect (e.g., hypnosis, virtual reality). This review revealed there is a small to moderate body of literature demonstrating that some NPIs might be an effective and safe approach for reducing pain and opioid use, concurrently.

Public Perceptions of Opioid Use for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain

Background: Chronic non-cancer pain affects 20% of Americans. This is significantly impacted by the ongoing opioid crisis and reduced opioid dispensing. Public perceptions additionally shape pain management strategies. Purpose: This study explores public attitudes toward prescription opioids for chronic non-cancer pain. We aim to understand how public attitudes are influenced by the evolving opioid crisis and shifting opioid use patterns. Methods: In Michigan, 823 adults participated in a Qualtrics survey on attitudes toward nonmedical and medical prescription opioid use. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with beliefs that doctors prescribe opioids for too long (Model 1) and chronic pain patients should transition to alternative treatments (Model 2). Results: About half (49.4%) of respondents believed doctors keep patients on prescription opioids for too long, while two-thirds (65.7%) agreed chronic pain patients should be tapered off medications. Knowing someone who misused opioids and perceptions of substance use (e.g. perceived risk of prescription opioid misuse, stigma toward chronic pain patients, perceived prevalence of prescription opioid misuse, and awareness of fentanyl) were associated with greater odds of believing doctors keep patients on opioids too long. Demographics (age and education), substance use histories and perceptions (e.g. perceived risk and stigma) were associated with greater odds of believing patients should be tapered off their medication. Conclusions: These findings inform strategies to correct public misperceptions, emphasizing the importance of personal experience, perceived risks, and stigmatization of chronic pain patients. This insight can guide effective pain management for those with chronic non-cancer pain.

Mental disorders and symptoms with persistent opioid use for chronic non-cancer pain – a registry study

Knowledge of mental disorders among patients with persistent opioid use for the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain is essential, as mental disorders and symptoms can exacerbate or perpetuate pain and impact on the ability of patients to manage their illness. We have studied the prevalence of mental disorders and symptoms, including substance use disorders, in patients with persistent opioid use in 2019. Persons ≥18 years with persistent opioid use and persons ≥18 years with at least one registered mental disorder in the specialist healthcare service in 2019 were included. Data were retrieved from national health registries in Norway. Patients who received opioids reimbursed for the treatment of chronic pain were compared with those who received opioids without reimbursement. The prevalence of mental disorders and symptoms was 34% among 14403 persons who received reimbursed opioids, and 42% among 38001 persons who received opioids without reimbursement. This is equivalent to a two to threefold increase in prevalence compared to the general population. There was a particularly higher prevalence of anxiety disorders and substance use disorders. The prevalence of mental disorders and symptoms was highest in the age group 18-44 years (49-55%). Among patients with persistent opioid use, a large proportion had mental disorders and symptoms, which are known risk factors for developing problematic opioid use and opioid use disorder.

Reducing opioid use for chronic non-cancer pain in primary care using an evidence-based, theory-informed, multistrategic, multistakeholder approach: a single-arm time series with segmented regression

BackgroundMany countries have high opioid use among people with chronic non-cancer pain. Knowledge about effective interventions that could be implemented at scale is limited. We designed a national intervention that...

Opioid use for chronic non-cancer pain in the frail elderly

Opioid use for chronic non-cancer pain in the frail elderly

Perspectives of pain specialists, patients, and family members on long-term opioid use for chronic non-cancer pain: a qualitative study

BackgroundOpioids are currently prescribed for chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP), and some patients use opioids continuously for long-term treatment. Stakeholders’ awareness about long-term opioid therapy is essential for improving the safety and effectiveness of pain treatment. The purpose of this study is to explore the perspectives of pain specialists, patients, and family caregivers about long-term opioid use in CNCP management.MethodsThis study was a qualitative study and adhered to the COREQ guidelines. Pain specialists (n = 12), patients (n = 14), and family members (n = 9) were recruited to the study by purposive sampling at the Pain Clinic of Ramathibodi Hospital. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, verbatim transcribed, conceptually coded, and analyzed using Atlas.ti 8.0.ResultsAll groups of participants described opioids as non-first-line drugs for pain management. Opioids should be prescribed only for severe pain, when non-opioid pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological therapies are not effective. Patients reported that the benefits of opioids were for pain relief, while physicians and most family members highlighted that opioid use should improve functional outcomes. Physicians and family members expressed concerns about opioid-related side effects, harm, and adverse events, while patients did not. Patients confirmed that they would continue using opioids for pain management under supervision. However, physicians stated that they would taper off or discontinue opioid therapy if patients’ pain relief or functional improvement was not achieved. Both patients and family members were willing to consider non-pharmacological therapies if potential benefits existed. Patient education, doctor–patient/family relationships, and opioid prescription policies were proposed to enhance CNCP management.ConclusionLong-term opioid therapy for CNCP may be beneficial in patients who have established realistic treatment goals (for both pain relief and functional improvement) with their physicians. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the risks and benefits, adverse events, and drug-related aberrant behaviors are necessary. Integrated multimodal multidisciplinary therapies and family member collaborations are also important for improving CNCP management.

Association of chiropractic integration in an Ontario community health centre with prescription opioid use for chronic non-cancer pain: a mixed methods study protocol

IntroductionEmerging evidence from a number of primary care centres suggests that integration of chiropractic services into chronic pain management is associated with improved clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction as...

Patients’ self‐reported physical and psychological effects of opioid use in chronic noncancer pain—A retrospective cross‐sectional analysis

AbstractBackgroundStrong opioids can have unintended effects. Clinical studies of strong opioids mainly report physical side effects, psychiatric or opioid use disorders. To date, too little attention has been paid to the psychological effects of opioids to treat patients with chronic noncancer pain (CNCP). This study aims to identify and measure (i) the nature and frequency of physical and psychological effects and (ii) the degree of physician counseling of patients with CNCP taking strong opioids.MethodsWithin a cross‐sectional survey—conducted as part of a randomised controlled online intervention trial (ERONA [Experiencing the risk of overusing opioids among patients with chronic non‐cancer pain in ambulatory care])—300 German CNCP patients were surveyed via patient‐reported outcome measures regarding on both the side effects from their use of strong opioids as well as their counselling experience.ResultsAmong the patients’ reported effects, the psychological outcomes of the opioids in CNCP were: feeling relaxed (84%), fatigue (76%), dizziness (57%), listlessness (37%), difficulty with mental activities (23%), dulled emotions (17%) and poor memory (17%). Ninety‐two per cent of the patients reported having received information about opioid effects, and 46% had discussed cessation of the opioid medication with their physicians before commencing the prescription.ConclusionsIn addition to the well‐known physical side effects, patients with CNCP taking strong opioids experience significant psychological effects. In view of these effects, discontinuation of opioid therapy should be discussed early to ensure their benefits do not outweigh their harm.SignificanceIn this study, patients with non‐cancer pain notice that opioids they have taken do not only cause physical side effects but also may have an impact on their psyche and their emotions and, thus, may also affect quality of life substantially.Clinical trial number: DRKS00020358.

Kritische Auseinandersetzung mit neuen Daten zur Prävalenz von Opioidgebrauchsstörungen bei Patienten mit chronischen Schmerzen in Deutschland

HintergrundEs gibt keine Opioidkrise in Deutschland. Neue Studien mit Nichttumorpatienten mit chronischen Schmerzen (CNTS) in Deutschland zeigen jedoch eine unerwartet hohe Prävalenz von Opioidgebrauchsstörungen nach Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Psychiatric Diseases 5 (DSM-5).Ziel der ArbeitKritische Diskussion neuer Studienergebnisse zur Prävalenz von Opioidgebrauchsstörungen bei Schmerzpatienten in Deutschland.Material und MethodenSelektive Literaturrecherche und multiprofessionelle Einordnung der Ergebnisse durch Expertenrunde (Schmerztherapie, Neurologie, Psychiatrie, Palliativmedizin, Allgemeinmedizin und Suchttherapie).ErgebnisseDie Kriterien für die Diagnose „Opioidgebrauchsstörung“ des DSM‑5 sind auf Patienten mit CNTS nur eingeschränkt anwendbar, können aber für problematisches Verhalten sensibilisieren. Hierbei ist die Diagnose Opioidgebrauchsstörung nicht mit der Diagnose einer Substanzabhängigkeit nach ICD-10 gleichzusetzen, da die Diagnose nach DSM‑5 ein deutlich breiteres Spektrum abdeckt (mild, moderat, schwer). Risikofaktoren für eine Opioidgebrauchsstörung sind jüngeres Alter, depressive Störungen, somatoforme Störungen und hohe Opioidtagesdosen. Die interdisziplinäre Leitlinie zur Langzeitanwendung von Opioiden bei chronischen nichttumorbedingten Schmerzen (LONTS) enthält Empfehlungen, welche das Risiko für eine Opioidgebrauchsstörung reduzieren sollen.DiskussionEine Anpassung der DSM-5-Diagnosekriterien der Opioidgebrauchsstörung an die besondere Situation von Patienten mit CNTS und eine Validierung dieser Kriterien könnte helfen, in der Zukunft genauere Daten zu Opioidgebrauchsstörungen von Patienten mit chronischen Schmerzen in Deutschland zu erheben. Verordner sollten für diese Problematik sensibilisiert werden, ohne die Patienten zu pathologisieren oder gar zu stigmatisieren. Weitere Forschung zur Einordnung dieses bisher unterschätzten Phänomens ist notwendig.

European clinical practice recommendations on opioids for chronic noncancer pain - Part 2: Special situations.

Opioid use for chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) is under debate. In the absence of pan-European guidance on this issue, a position paper was commissioned by the European Pain Federation (EFIC). The clinical practice recommendations were developed by eight scientific societies and one patient self-help organization under the coordination of EFIC. A systematic literature search in MEDLINE (up until January 2020) was performed.Two categories of guidance are given: Evidence-based recommendations (supported by evidence from systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials or of observational studies) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) statements (supported either by indirect evidence or by case-series, case-control studies and clinical experience). The GRADE system was applied to move from evidence to recommendations. The recommendations and GCP statements were developed by a multiprofessional task force (including nursing, service users, physicians, physiotherapy and psychology) andformal multistep procedures to reach a set of consensus recommendations. The clinical practice recommendations were reviewed by five external reviewers from North America and Europe and were also posted for public comment. The European Clinical Practice Recommendations give guidance for combination with other medications, the management of frequent (e.g. nausea, constipation) and rare (e.g. hyperalgesia) side effects, for special clinical populations (e.g. children and adolescents, pregnancy) and for special situations (e.g. liver cirrhosis). If a trial with opioids for chronic noncancer pain is conducted, detailed knowledge and experience are needed to adapt the opioid treatment to a special patient group and/or clinical situation and to manage side effects effectively. If a trial with opioids for chronic noncancer pain is conducted, detailed knowledge and experience are needed to adapt the opioid treatment to a special patient group and/or clinical situation and to manage side effects effectively. A collaboration of medical specialties and of all health care professionals is needed for some special populations and clinical situations.

Managing Opioids and Mitigating Risk: A Survey of Attitudes, Confidence and Practices of Oncology Health Care Professionals.

In response to Canada’s opioid crisis, national strategies and guidelines have been developed but primarily focus on opioid use for chronic noncancer pain. Despite the well-established utility of opioids in cancer care, and the growing emphasis on early palliative care, little attention has been paid to opioid risk in this population, where evidence increasingly shows a higher risk of opioid-related harms than was previously thought. The primary objective of this study was to assess oncology clinicians’ attitudes, confidence, and practices in managing opioids in outpatients with cancer. This was explored using pilot-tested, profession-specific surveys for physicians/nurse practitioners, nurses and pharmacists. Descriptive analyses were conducted in aggregate and separately based on discipline. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to explore relationships between confidence and practices within and across disciplines. The survey was distributed to approximately 400 clinicians in January 2019. Sixty-five responses (27 physicians/nurse practitioners, 31 nurses, 7 pharmacists) were received. Participants endorsed low confidence, differing attitudes, and limited and varied practice in managing and mitigating opioid risks in the cancer population. This study provides valuable insights into knowledge gaps and clinical practices of oncology healthcare professionals in managing opioids and mitigating associated risks for patients with cancer.

Spread the Word: There Are Two Opioid Crises!

Pain is associated with emotional and physical suffering that severely impacts quality of life. Many guidelines for the treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain indicate the use of opioids. For a small proportion of the global population, opioids are readily accessible, but are consequently also subject to risk of overuse and misuse. On the other hand, many regions provide limited access to licensed opioid therapeutics and patients struggle for better pain management. The use of prescription opioids for treatment of severe cancer and acute pain is well established, but opioid use in chronic non-cancer pain is controversial and not supported by the literature. The opioid crisis and the increasing overdose fatalities in some countries have resulted in a resurgence of opiophobia in these countries, but even worse, amplified opiophobia in countries with lower opioid consumption. In this narrative review, we highlight how the opioid crisis of overuse in some countries can negatively impact appropriate access to opioids elsewhere. The availability of opioids for clinical and recreational use differs between countries worldwide-this is an important factor in determining the occurrence of a 'crisis of recreational use of opioids' or a 'crisis of under-prescription of opioids' for pain management.

Chronic Non-cancer Pain Management and Addiction: A Review.

The use of opioids in chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) has been a fast-rising treatment phenomenon in the last two decades. Though opioids are advocated in various chronic pain management guidelines, their use in chronic non-cancer pain still remains controversial as evidence of this approach is still weak. This paper highlights potential adverse effects associated with opioid use in pain management, including an increase in tolerance, dependence, and addiction outcomes. Nonetheless, opioids have an important place in contemporary CNCP management for selected patients. However, pain management must involve regular monitoring and the use of a multimodal pain management strategy. It is essential that the treating physician must be up-to-date with the form of therapy so that they have the requisite confidence to prescribe opioids and effectively manage adverse effects. Moreover, the adverse effects should be treated promptly to enhance patient compliance. Since this approach is beneficial for some patients, opioid treatment should only be applied on a case by case basis.

Tramadol prescribed use in general and chronic noncancer pain: a nationwide register-based cohort study of all patients above 16 years.

Background and aims In the Western world, it has become clear that we are facing a crisis of overuse, abuse and improperly prescribed use of opioids. As part of the ongoing discussion on opioid use, the use and prescription of tramadol have been addressed in recent years. A significant portion of this discussion should adequately address the risk factors for the use of weak opioid products such as tramadol. The risk factors which characterise the long-term tramadol use are still incompletely understood. Thus, we aimed to describe the characteristics of Danish patients using tramadol in more detail, under different scenarios and determinants of subsequent usage patterns. Methods We conducted a nationwide cohort study to identify individuals purchasing tramadol from 01/01/2004 to 31/12/2015 who are age 16 + years old by using data from The Danish National Databases; these databases consist of unique information for all citizens in Denmark. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the potential risk factors for repeated tramadol use. Results The final cancer-free cohort consisted of N = 941,839 tramadol users: 54.4% women, with a mean age of 53.2 years. The number of chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) was 430,641 individuals, and 56% of the total third who repeated the use of tramadol with two + purchased prescriptions were CNCP patients. The increased risk of repeated use for CNCP was, among others, associated with: male sex (HR 1.21), age 69-110 (HR 1.72), back/spine pain men (HR 1.47), women (HR 1.46), spondylopathies (HR 1.24), male osteoporosis (HR 1.22), multimorbid ulcer/skin (HR 1.28), region of municipality Northern Jutland (HR 1.74), Central Jutland (HR 1.75), number of co-medication 4-9 (HR 1.33), dementia (HR 1.27). Factors associated with decreased risk: co-medication ischemic heart disease (HR 0.85), diagnosis headache (HR 0.70), household income highest tertile (HR 0.81), unknown (HR 0.70), single women (HR 0.96). Conclusions This study proved a widespread prescribed use of tramadol in Denmark, and, as know from the literature, weak opioid use may lead to long-term use of high potent opioids, this usage is inappropriate, in general, but especially for the treatment of CNCP. Implications When striving to reduce the overuse of opioids, focus on the extensive use of tramadol may be essential. The current study indicates an excessive and not appropriately prescribed use of tramadol among Danish CNCP patients. In addition to being inappropriate, such use may also have an impact on the growing problem of an illicit Internet market for this drug. Thus, the situation must be taken seriously. The current study confirms the recent clinical guideline and the National Recommendations in Denmark, which emphasises the risks of problematic use of tramadol. The research may also be relevant in other comparable countries. Caution must especially be taken with CNCP patients with comorbidities like diabetes, lung disease, dementia, and osteoporosis.

Implications of the Opioid Epidemic for the Clinical Gastroenterology Practice.

The opioid epidemic in the USA has led to a rise in opioid-related gastrointestinal (GI) side effects that are often difficult to diagnose and treat. The aim of this report is to discuss opioid pathophysiology, opioid-related GI side effects, clinical presentation, and diagnostic criteria and to review the current pharmacotherapy available. Opioid-related GI disorders are increasingly recognized and include, but are not limited to, opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED), gastroparesis, opioid-induced constipation (OIC), narcotic bowel syndrome (NBS), acute post-operative ileus, and anal sphincter dysfunction. Treatment of these conditions is challenging. OIC has the most available pharmacotherapy for treatment, including classical laxatives, peripherally acting μ-receptor antagonists (PAMORAs), novel therapies (lubiprostone, prucalopride- 5-HT agonist), and preventative therapies (PR oxycodone/naloxone). The gastrointestinal effects of opioid therapy are variable and often debilitating. While medical management for some opioid-related GI side effects exists, limiting or completely avoiding opioid use for chronic non-cancer pain will mitigate these effects most effectively.

Weaning From Long-term Opioid Therapy.

Opioid use for chronic noncancer pain poses a challenge to the gynecologist, and weaning opioids is often a goal for clinicians and patients. In some cases, opioid cessation can be achieved by weaning a patient's prescribed opioid or with symptomatic management with long-acting opioids or alpha2-adrenergic medications. This review imparts a basic understanding of the physiology of opioid withdrawal, strategies for achieving opioid abstinence, medications for treating the symptoms of withdrawal, and alternatives to opioid taper.

<p>Pain experiences and intrapersonal change among patients with chronic non-cancer pain after using a pain diary: a mixed-methods study</p>

ObjectivePain diaries are a valuable self-assessment tool; however, their use in chronic non-cancer pain has received limited attention. In this study, we examined the effect of pain diary use on pain intensity, interference, and intrapersonal change in patients with chronic non-cancer pain.MethodA convergent mixed-methods design was used to prospectively evaluate a cohort of 72 patients. Daily pain intensity and weekly pain-interference were self-reported using pain diaries for a 4-week period. Outcomes were assessed by examining changes in pain scores (primary outcome) as well as the Brief Pain Inventory and Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2. In addition, qualitative data obtained from pain diary entries and focus-group interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis.ResultsPain intensity and average pain scores were significantly lower after using the diaries. Participants reported less pain interference in mood, walking ability, normal work, and enjoyment of life. No differences were found in SF-MPQ-2 scores. Qualitative analysis indicated that better pain recognition and more effective communication with care providers led to improved self-management and more effectual treatment plans.ConclusionUse of a pain diary in patients with chronic non-cancer pain was associated with reduced pain intensity and improved mood as well as function. Further controlled trials examining the long-term effects of pain diaries are warranted.

Cochrane in CORR®: Topical NSAIDs for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Adults.

Cochrane in CORR®: Topical NSAIDs for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Adults.

Prescription opioid analgesic use in France: Trends and impact on morbidity–mortality

While data from USA and Canada demonstrate an opioid overdose epidemic, very little nation-wide European studies have been published on this topical subject. Using a nationally representative sample of the French Claims database (>700,000 patients), the exhaustive nationwide hospital discharge database, and national mortality registry, all patients dispensed at least one prescription opioid (PO) in 2004-2017 were identified, to describe trends in PO analgesic use, shopping behaviour, opioid-related hospitalizations and deaths. Annual prevalence of PO use and shopping behaviour (≥1day of overlapping prescriptions from ≥2 prescribers, dispensed by ≥3 pharmacies) was estimated. In 2004-2017, the annual prevalence of weak opioid use codeine, tramadol and opium rose by 150%, 123%, and 244%, respectively (p<0.05). Strong opioid use increased from 0.54% to 1.1% (+104%, p<0.05), significantly for oxycodone (+1950%). Strong opioid use in chronic noncancer pain rose by 88% (p<0.05) and 1180% for oxycodone. Opioid shopping increased from 0.50% to 0.67% (+34%, p<0.05), associated with higher mortality risk HR=2.8 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2-6.4]. Opioid-related hospitalizations increased from 15 to 40 per 1,000,000 population (+167%, 2000-2017), and opioid-related deaths from 1.3 to 3.2 per 1,000,000 population (+146%, 2000-2015). This study provided a first European approach to a nationwide estimation with complete access to several national registries. In 2004-2017 in France, PO use excluding dextropropoxyphene more than doubled. The increase in oxycodone and fentanyl use, and nontrivial increasing trend in opioid-related morbidity-mortality should prompt authorities to closely monitor PO consumption in order to prevent alarming increases in opioid-related morbidity-mortality. In 2004-2017, prescription opioid use in France at least doubled and oxycodone use increased particularly, associated with a nontrivial increase in opioid-related morbidity-mortality. Although giving no indication for an 'opioid epidemic,' these findings call for proper monitoring of opioid use.