Opioid
DEA proposes to reverse prescribing flexibility for controlled substances
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, or DEA, has proposed permanent changes to rules on the prescribing of controlled substances through telehealth. The new rules would take effect when the COVID-19 public health emergency ends in May.
Disability linked to treatment rates for opioid use disorder
Among Medicaid beneficiaries with opioid use disorder, those with a disability were less likely to receive medication treatment and to adhere to treatment for 6 months, according to findings published in JAMA Network Open.
31% of adults with chronic pain use medical cannabis
About three in 10 adults with chronic pain who live in states with medical cannabis laws reported using cannabis to manage their pain, according to researchers, highlighting the need for more research on the subject.
FDA committees take steps to making Narcan available over the counter
On Wednesday, two FDA advisory committees unanimously voted in favor of Narcan nasal spray being made available as an over-the-counter emergency treatment for opioid overdose.
Postpartum opioid use lower with more doses of ketorolac after cesarean delivery
Administering six vs. two doses of ketorolac for pain management after cesarean delivery was associated with fewer opioid orders within 72 hours postpartum, according to a presenter at The Pregnancy Meeting.
Opioid tapering associated with more hospital visits, fewer primary care visits
Opioid tapering was associated with “unintended negative consequences,” including fewer primary care visits, more hospitalization and ED visits and reduced chronic condition medicine adherence, researchers reported in JAMA Network Open.
Pharmacists help keep patients with opioid use disorder engaged in care
Pharmacy-based care was associated with higher rates of retention in opioid use disorder treatment compared with usual care, a pilot study in the New England Journal of Medicine found.
Racial, ethnic disparities observed in opioid access among older patients dying of cancer
Researchers identified substantial racial and ethnic disparities in access to prescription opioids among older patients with cancer nearing end of life, according to study results published in Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Mandate letters increase use of prescription monitoring programs
Mandate letters increased clinicians’ engagement in prescription monitoring programs, which may result in safer prescribing of opioids, a study published in Health Affairs found.
Restrictive opioid prescription protocol feasible for most patients after cancer surgery
A restrictive opioid prescription protocol of 3 days or less after hospital discharge appeared feasible among a cohort of patients who underwent surgery at a large cancer center, according to study results published in JAMA Oncology.