title: Pharmacoeconomics of opioid therapy for chronic non-malignant pain.
abstract: Chronic non-malignant pain (CNMP) is widely prevalent and associated with significant costs. Costs related to chronic pain include medical services and medications, treatment of medication-related toxicity and work absenteeism. The use of non-narcotic analgesics is associated with inadequate pain-relief for many patients, as well as significant and costly organ toxicity. When used appropriately and judiciously, opioid medications can be a useful addition to the treatment plan for patients with CNMP. Opioids can provide long-term, safe and cost-effective pain relief.
authors.affiliation: Pain Evaluation & Treatment Institute, 4601 Baum Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. dawnpainmd@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Dawn A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Marcus
mesh_terms: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid