Phap Nguyen, Ngozi A Okoroma, Kenny K Ngo, Parker K Kaleo, Eric J Roeland, Joseph D Ma
{"title":"Longitudinal Evaluation of the Risk Index for Overdose or Serious Opioid-Induced Respiratory Depression in Patients with Cancer.","authors":"Phap Nguyen, Ngozi A Okoroma, Kenny K Ngo, Parker K Kaleo, Eric J Roeland, Joseph D Ma","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2427876","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2427876","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Commercially Insured health Plan Risk Index for Overdose or Serious Opioid-induced Respiratory Depression (CIP-RIOSORD) is an evidence-based screening tool to determine an individual's risk of opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) or overdose. Chronic opioid use and changes in a patient's clinical status and/or medication regimen may impact OIRD or overdose risk. This study evaluated longitudinal CIP-RIOSORD scores over three consecutive visits. Data for eighty patients with cancer encompassed two-hundred and forty visits. Most patients were Caucasian women with metastatic gastrointestinal cancer. CIP-RIOSORD scores (mean ± SD) were 16.6 ± 15.4, 20.3 ± 15.7, and 19.1 ± 15.1 at visits 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Visit 1 CIP-RIOSORD scores were similar compared to visit 2 and visit 3 (<i>p</i> = 0.14-0.31). CIP-RIOSORD intraindividual variability was low to moderate; the median (range) coefficient of variation was 22.3% (0-173%). Beyond a baseline OIRD/overdose risk assessment, reevaluation of such risk using the CIP-RIOSORD does not to be performed at each palliative care visit.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"51-57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142692325","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emma Eibye, Julie M Waldfogel, Patricia A Ross, Callan Banks, Joshua Chou, Katharine Russo, Jessica Merrey
{"title":"Implementation of Pharmacist Driven Gabapentinoid Titration for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in a Primary Care Setting.","authors":"Emma Eibye, Julie M Waldfogel, Patricia A Ross, Callan Banks, Joshua Chou, Katharine Russo, Jessica Merrey","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2421527","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2421527","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Previous studies suggest that patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) frequently do not receive the minimum effective doses of a gabapentinoid according to guidance from national organizations. There is opportunity to assess the implementation of pharmacist intervention for patients not meeting minimum effective gabapentinoid dosing for DPN. This prospective, single site quality improvement project was conducted at a primary care clinic and included patients with DPN prescribed a gabapentinoid by their primary care provider (PCP) at a dose lower than minimum effective dosing. Pharmacists assessed patient-reported pain ratings, adverse effects, and renal function for appropriate dosing and titrated to minimum effective dosing based on clinical judgment. All patients that were followed through week 13 had a clinically significant improvement in pain. No patients met a 50% reduction in patient-reported pain rating scales on guidance-directed minimum effective dosing. No patients were able to meet the minimum effective dose. The majority of patients declined pharmacist services due to neuropathy being controlled on the current gabapentinoid dose. This study supports the ability for pharmacists to assess patient specific factors for adequate dosing, titration, and deprescribing recommendations for analgesic medications in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"162-169"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142692288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An in-Depth Exploration of Consumer and Consumer Representative Views on Chronic Pain Management in Australia: A Key Informant Interview Study.","authors":"Ingrid Bindicsova, Leanne M Hides, Melissa A Day","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2407461","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2407461","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic pain affects millions of Australians. Despite guidelines recommending non-pharmacological approaches as the first line treatment, opioid medications remain among the most common treatments. This study interviewed consumers and consumer representatives (i.e., representatives of peak pain advocacy organizations in Australia) to gain first-hand perspectives on chronic pain treatment in Australia. Individual semi-structured Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with three consumers and three representatives were undertaken. Interviews were transcribed, and thematic analysis applied. Results showed that consumers and consumer representatives identified critical treatment access barriers. Another shared theme related to overarching principles of care, with sub-themes pertaining to the need for an interdisciplinary approach and pain education. A further shared theme focused on typical medical interventions, with one shared subtheme regarding the benefits and drawbacks of pain medications. Both groups highlighted the importance of a biopsychosocial approach with consideration of mental health, particularly related to perceived stigma and comorbidities. These findings highlight that chronic pain remains both undertreated and inadequately treated in Australia. There is a critical need to use novel approaches to overcome access barriers and stigma, and to advance precision medicine to match patients to the treatment most likely to be of benefit as early as possible in their journey.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"14-23"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142365569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Case Report: Buprenorphine for Palliation in a Patient with End Stage Renal Disease.","authors":"Sing Ping Chow, Scott Donelenko, Chris Coppock","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2435425","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2435425","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>End stage renal disease (ESRD) is known to be associated with pain, malaise and decreased quality of life. Pain management in the setting of dialysis is particularly challenging from a pharmacologic standpoint given altered pharmacokinetics of pain medications. Buprenorphine, a partial mu opioid receptor agonist, demonstrates superior safety profile compared to full mu opioid receptor agonists. In this case report, we demonstrated buprenorphine buccal film (Belbuca) as a safe and effective opioid treatment option for pain palliation in a dialysis dependent patient. Future studies may be warranted with larger sample size and longer follow up period to study the effect of buprenorphine in the setting of hemodialysis and non-dialysis dependent ESRD population.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"92-95"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142785837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Changes in Pain and Mental Health Symptoms Associated with Prescribed Medicinal Cannabis Use: A One-Year Longitudinal Study.","authors":"Andreas Halman, Richard Chenhall, Daniel Perkins","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2414898","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2414898","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic pain and mental health issues like depression and anxiety significantly contribute to disease burden in Western countries. While cannabinoids are suggested to have analgesic, anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, evidence, especially for long-term use, is inconclusive. This 12-month observational study evaluated the effects of prescribed medicinal cannabis for 96 patients suffering from pain, as well as sleep disturbances, depression and anxiety. Treatment outcomes for pain, depression, anxiety and sleep problems were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months using validated instruments. Significant reductions were observed in pain scores and the interference of pain on daily functions, alongside improvements in mental health and sleep. Many patients reported notable improvements in pain severity and reduced use of pain medications in the first 6 months, with a decline at 12 months. Additionally, sustained improvements in depression, anxiety, stress and sleep were observed, with about half reporting substantial improvement. Adverse effects were common but mostly mild or moderate, most commonly dry mouth and sleepiness. These results show that prescribed medicinal cannabis treatment is associated with improvements in chronic pain and mental health symptoms, such as depression, anxiety and stress. However, findings also suggest reduced effectiveness with longer-term use, emphasizing the need for additional research.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"38-50"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142468186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Increasing Access to Naloxone in Veterans Receiving Opioids Through Community Care.","authors":"Kaylee Nichols, Brittany Faley, Lauren Gonser","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2404590","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2404590","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The United States is battling an opioid overdose epidemic, and Veterans are at almost double the risk compared to the general population. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) recognizes the critical role naloxone plays as a risk mitigation strategy in opioid prescribing; however, there was not a standardized process within the Kansas City VA Medical Center's (KCVAMC) community care program. This quality improvement project included Veterans that received opioids through community care from 2022 to 2023. The Stratification Tool for Opioid Risk Mitigation and chart review were used along with descriptive statistics. Results found 11% (22 of 206) of Veterans were dispensed naloxone within one year prior to receiving their opioid prescription. This data indicated the importance of expanding access to naloxone in Veterans receiving opioids from community care providers. As a result of this data, the KCVAMC implemented an outpatient pharmacy protocol to dispense naloxone to appropriate Veterans that receive an opioid through the community care program. The protocol was initiated on March 29, 2023. From the end of March through 2023, naloxone dispensing for these Veterans increased from 11% to 67%.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"124-131"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142468189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Medicinal Cannabis: A Potential Tool for Managing Chronic Pain and Mental Health in Asia.","authors":"John Patrick C Toledo","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2436975","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2436975","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"3"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142813462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Deafferentation in Pain Medicine: A Narrative Review of Mechanisms and Management.","authors":"Usama Ahmed, Mohjir Baloch","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2432640","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2432640","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Deafferentation is an umbrella term that includes several clinical conditions. The exact mechanism is not yet known, and the different clinical conditions do not necessarily share common pathophysiology. It includes both non-painful and painful conditions, including cancer pain conditions. Clinical presentation can be immediate or delayed, sometimes years after the causative lesion. Patients experience neuropathic pain symptoms in an area of abnormal or absent sensation. Laboratory tests show denervation and loss of function. Pain management strategies can be directed toward alleviating symptoms rather than eradication. The site of origin of the pain can help decide the treatment modalities to be tried. Gabapentinoids, antidepressants, and sodium channel blockers can be used. This type of pain is typically opioid-nonresponsive, but some patients may benefit. Neuronal destructive procedures are indicated for brachial plexus avulsion injuries. Spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root entry zone rhizotomy, deep brain thalamic stimulation, and motor cortex stimulation have been suggested for the management of the complex clinical conditions under the umbrella of deafferentation.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"114-123"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142818429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Topical Formulation of Tramadol 5% in the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Prospective, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.","authors":"Shahram Ala, Parisa Pakzadeh, Mahila Monajati, Reza Enayatifard, Afshin Shiva, Adeleh Sahebnasagh","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2384968","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2384968","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The goal of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical tramadol in the management of knee osteoarthritis pain. Sixty patients with moderate to severe pain of knee osteoarthritis were enrolled. Patients were randomized to receive tramadol 5% or placebo along with oral diclofenac 100 mg/day. They were instructed to apply the ointment every 12 h on the knee for three weeks. To control breakthrough pain, the patients were allowed to take acetaminophen up to 650 mg per day. The measured variables were Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Sixty patients completed the study. At the end of follow-up period, VAS decreased by 21% (from 7.2 ± 2.1 to 5.7 ± 2.4, <i>p</i>-value < 0.05) and WOMAC score decreased by 23% (from 49.6 ± 17.4 to 38.4 ± 18.1, <i>p</i>-value < 0.05) in intervention group. Topical tramadol was significantly effective in reducing the intensity of pain and osteoarthritis symptoms in comparison to placebo considering VAS (5.7 ± 2.4 vs. 8.0 ± 2.9, <i>p</i>-value = 0.001) and WOMAC score (38.4 ± 18.1 vs. 46.0 ± 18.6, <i>p</i>-value = 0.007). Topical tramadol 5% appears to be effective in moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis pain.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"5-13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142468191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bastian Wobbe, Maximilian Gerner, Claus-Henning Köhne
{"title":"Safety of Naldemedine for Opioid-Induced Constipation - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Bastian Wobbe, Maximilian Gerner, Claus-Henning Köhne","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2427324","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2427324","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Naldemedine is a peripheral acting µ-opioid receptor antagonist approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat opioid-induced constipation. Concerns about side effects like opioid withdrawal prevent its widespread use, especially for cancer patients. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate existing safety data of naldemedine treating opioid-induced constipation following the PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed and the Cochrane Library on April 16th 2024 to identify studies evaluating naldemedine treatment among patients with opioid-induced constipation. Our analysis found no differences between groups comparing naldemedine therapy with placebo-control for treatment-emergent adverse events (OR = 1.06; 95%-CI: 0.91-1.24), serious adverse events (OR = 1.02; 95%-CI: 0.76-1.38). We found no increased risk for opioid withdrawal, while an increased risk for gastrointestinal disorders (OR = 2.08; 95%-CI: 1.72-2.51), particularly higher incidences of diarrhea (OR = 2.44; 95%-CI: 1.81-3.29) and abdominal pain (OR = 3.31; 95%-CI: 2.16-5.06) were found. In the cancer subgroup, treatment-emergent and serious adverse events were more frequent. However, no increased risk for opioid withdrawal was observed. This analysis confirms naldemedine's overall safety in treating opioid-induced constipation, with manageable gastrointestinal side effects. However, the higher adverse events in cancer patients require further investigation to ensure safe use in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"96-113"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142854546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}