Pandemonium over painkillers persists.
Chronic non-cancer pain remains under-treated. Five years ago it was highlighted that more research was needed into the safety and efficacy of NSAIDs and opioid drugs in older people (Cowan, 2002). Concerns remain over NSAID-induced pathology and now there are safety concerns over the continued use of supposedly safer COX-2 agents. There also remain concerns over the problematic use of opioids, including the potential for psychological and physical dependence. While more research is still needed to inform prescribing for older people, it is also apparent that we still need long-term studies of commonly used pain medications for the whole spectrum of age groups. Data derived from such studies would inform nurse prescribing.
Cowan
David
D
Faculty of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University. david.cowan@lsbu.ac.uk
D000368:Aged; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors