title: [Long-term treatment with opioid drugs].
abstract: It is well established that morphine and other opioid drugs in both men and women exert a pronounced effect on the gonads, causing hypogonadotroph hypogonadism. The thyroid function seems unimpaired. Only a small number of studies have addressed the effects of opioids on the adrenocortical function. They strongly suggest that opioids may cause adrenocortical insufficiency - even presenting as severe and life-threatening hypoadrenalism. At present a substantial number of patients are on long-term treatment with opioids, making the above findings relevant in daily clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Palliativt Afsnit, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 København Ø. rh12244@rh.regionh.dk.
authors.forename: Per
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sjøgren
authors.forename: Jörgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lindholm
mesh_terms: D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000187:drug effects*; D006066:Gonads / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000139:chemically induced; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid