Anticipating and treating opioid-associated adverse effects.
Opioids are frequently avoided as viable tools in the management of pain due to perceived dangerous or untoward adverse drug events. Whilst they are relatively safe options for the treatment of pain, side effects and toxicities do exist and should be anticipated by the provider. The central nervous, gastrointestinal, genito-urinary, integumentary, metabolic/endocrine, cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic/renal, ocular and immune systems all manifest changes associated with opioid therapy. These adverse events, ranging from nuisance to therapy-limiting, are manageable when addressed quickly and appropriately. Opioids are safe and efficacious analgesics when these effects are considered.
Herndon
Christopher M
CM
Ortho-McNeil, Division of Clinical Affairs, O'Fallon, IL 62269, USA. cherndon@ompus.jnj.com
Kalauokalani
Donna A K
DA
Cunningham
Amy J
AJ
Jackson
Kenneth C
KC
Dunteman
Edwin D
ED
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid