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Opioids

Opioids may spur tumor growth

Delicia Honen Yard April 20, 2012

Although opioid-based painkillers are a standard treatment for relieving cancer pain, they may actually contribute to disease progression.

Drug Relieves Opioid-Induced Constipation in Critically Ill

March 05, 2012

Methylnaltrexone improves bowel function compared with conventional rescue laxatives.

An exit strategy for opioid therapy

Lisa A. Thompson, PharmD, BCOP February 23, 2012

What exit strategy do you recommend for discontinuing opioid therapy?

Intracerebroventricular Opioid Infusion Feasible at Home

February 10, 2012

Intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of opioids is effective for treatment of refractory pain in terminal patients with low incidence of adverse events.

Oncologists need to sharpen their pain-management skills

Delicia Honen Yard November 25, 2011

The results of a recent survey suggest that pain-related knowledge and practice may not be up to par within the oncology community.

Methylnaltrexone (Relistor)

Bette Weinstein Kaplan October 19, 2011

Methylnaltrexone is a peripheral acting narcotic antagonist, opioid reversing agent. It is indicated for treatment of opioid-induced constipation.

New licensing deal for palliative constipation drug

July 25, 2011

An exclusive worldwide agreement gives Salix Pharmaceuticals licensing rights to Relistor (methylnaltrexone bromide), a treatment for opioid-induced constipation.

Introduce palliative care for pain at cancer diagnosis

Delicia Honen Yard July 08, 2011

Palliative care interventions should be introduced at diagnosis as a part of disease management rather than not until the end of life, suggests a review of cancer pain management.

Morphine sulfate label revised to avoid dosing errors

February 01, 2011

Roxane Laboratories has made labeling and product-packaging changes to its morphine sulfate oral solution 100 mg per 5 mL (20 mg/mL) due to accidental overdoses that resulted in adverse events and deaths.

Abstral approved for breakthrough cancer pain

Delicia Honen Yard January 27, 2011

A tablet delivering transmucosal fentanyl, Abstral is indicated for the management of breakthrough pain in adult cancer patients who are already using opioids around the clock.

Use evidence-based practice to make your argument

Ann J. Brady, RN, BSN January 19, 2011

The goal was to make the case for better pain management without undermining the care team.

Opioid use at home is safe for patients who need pain relief

Tasheema Prince September 28, 2010

Increased doses of opioids during end-of-life care at home is safe to relieve pain and suffering, according to a study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine (2010 Sep;13(9):1079-83).