Opioids for persistent noncancer pain.
This article concentrates on recent evidence about opioid analgesics for persistent noncancer pain. Evidence confirms that opioids are drugs with a definite risk of adverse events. Therefore, before prescribing opioids, careful consideration must be given to be certain that the intended benefit of a particular opioid merits its use despite the potential side effects and to determine if the co-prescription of other pharmacologic agents could reduce the risk of adverse events. Strong opioids should be reserved for patients who fail to respond to other lower-risk options and only after proper consideration is given to the long-term consequences of strong opioid use. Problems associated with opioids dictate that more efficacious and safer drugs need to be found.
McCleane
Gary
G
Rampark Pain Centre, 2 Rampark Dromore Road, Lurgan BT66 7JH, Northern Ireland, UK. gary@mccleane.freeserve.co.uk
Smith
Howard S
HS
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid