Articles tagged with Opioids
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A new study by Michigan Medicine University found that nearly all patients with buprenorphine prescriptions filled them, even when paying more out-of-pocket. The researchers suggest removing barriers to continuous prescribing as the main focus of efforts.
The NIH-funded HEALing Communities Study found that a data-driven intervention did not significantly reduce opioid-related overdose deaths, despite engaging communities in evidence-based practices. The study suggests that factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing fentanyl presence may have weakened the impact of the intervention.
A study published in JAMA found that high out-of-pocket costs are a significant barrier to filling naloxone prescriptions. The study, which utilized data from a national pharmacy transactions database, estimated that a $10 increase in cost would decrease the rate of filling prescriptions by about 2-3 percentage points.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine are developing an AI model to predict opioid addiction in high-risk patients. The model uses generative artificial intelligence to analyze genomic, social determinants of health, clinical, procedural, and demographic data to identify patients at greatest risk.
Researchers found a coordinated effort by Mallinckrodt to reframe concerns about addiction as phobia and muddle dependence as pseudoaddiction. The company employed tactics like recruiting influencers, planting articles in scientific journals, and developing continuing medical education courses to boost sales.
A new study of 11,000 overdose deaths in Pennsylvania found that Black people who died from an overdose were half as likely to have received naloxone as white people. This racial disparity in naloxone administration highlights the need for targeted strategies to distribute life-saving medication and educate communities about its use.
A recent analysis reveals that Black individuals in Pennsylvania are less likely to receive naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdose. Hispanic decedents had similar odds of naloxone administration as white decedents.
Researchers found that five cannabis terpenes reduced chronic neuropathic pain levels comparable to morphine. The combination of terpenes and morphine enhanced pain relief without negative side effects. Terpenes offer an alternative to opioids for pain management with a better side effect profile.
A new study explores the growing fentanyl smoking culture in San Francisco, highlighting individual experiences and local trends. Participants reported fear of overdose and challenges with injecting as motivations for switching to smoking, but some expressed concerns about hygiene and residue risks.
Scientists at UNC-Chapel Hill discovered that xylazine binds too kappa opioid receptors, suggesting why fentanyl/xylazine withdrawal is so harsh. This finding could have big implications for future scheduling recommendations and treatment approaches for patients experiencing respiratory depression.
Law enforcement seizures of illicit fentanyl increased dramatically between 2017 and 2023, with 115 million pills seized in 2023 compared to 49,657 in 2017. The proportion of fentanyl pill seizures quadrupled, posing significant risks to public health.
Fentanyl seizures in the US increased by 1,700% between 2017 and 2023, with pills accounting for nearly half of total seizures. The West region saw a significant increase in fentanyl pill seizures, while the South had the highest number of powder form seizures.
Starting people with opioid use disorder on extended-release, injectable naltrexone within five to seven days of seeking treatment is more effective than the standard method. This rapid treatment protocol requires closer medical supervision and could make XR-naltrexone a more viable option for treating opioid use disorder.
A comprehensive analysis of seized counterfeit pills found that 99.3% contained fentanyl, with 67% also containing para-fluorofentanyl. The study highlights the importance of understanding the contents of counterfeit prescription pills for effective treatment approaches.
A telehealth program created by Project ECHO has been found to reduce reliance on opioids in pain management. The program connects primary care providers with experts via videoconferencing, leading to lower rates of opioid prescribing and greater adherence to evidence-based recommendations.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that less than 15% of US college students can administer naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdoses. Despite this, nearly 62% of students can identify signs of an overdose and nearly 67% feel comfortable calling emergency services.
A large study found that people with opioid use disorder were less likely to receive palliative care and died at younger ages due to causes unrelated to their condition. The lack of access to palliative care was attributed to challenges in accessing social support, finances, and stable housing.
University of Birmingham researchers are developing a screening tool to identify patients most susceptible to persistent opioid usage after major surgery. The project aims to combine metabolic, neurobiological and cognitive profiles to predict patient responses to pain management, enabling clinicians to build targeted treatment plans.
Research found that one more job per 100 Black workers in a county was associated with .29 fewer overdose deaths per 100,000 Black Americans. The study suggests that economic context is critical to understanding the demand side of the drug epidemic among Black Americans.
A large study found a slightly increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders among children exposed to prescription opioids during pregnancy, particularly at higher doses and longer durations. However, the researchers interpret this as clinically insignificant.
A new study found that the elimination of a federal waiver requirement increased the number of clinicians prescribing buprenorphine, but didn't lead to a sharp rise in patient treatment. By December 2023, over 53,600 clinicians had prescribed buprenorphine, but numbers remained stable compared to 2022.
A new study from Texas A&M University explores the connections between workplace drug policies, mental health, and opioid misuse. Researchers found that punitive policies may exacerbate psychological distress and worsen existing health disparities.
Pediatric opioid overdoses show a decreasing trend between 2008 and 2019, with a notable increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. High-risk populations include young children and adolescents, particularly males and those in urban teaching hospitals.
People with nonfatal opioid overdose who access peer support in emergency departments are more likely to initiate treatment and less likely to have repeated overdoses. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed the outcomes of a New Jersey-based program that connects patients with peer recovery specialists.
Opioid-related deaths doubled between 2019 and 2021 across Canada, with over 1 in 4 deaths among young adults aged 20–39 years attributable to opioids. The concentration of harm in younger populations was consistent across provinces and territories.
The study reveals how opioid receptors stabilize a state for effective signal transmission, making superagonists potent and dangerous. It also highlights the importance of understanding molecular interactions for drug development and developing safer medicines.
A new study from Aarhus University investigates 327 deaths related to opioid overdoses in Denmark and finds that being alone increases the risk of fatal poisoning. The study also highlights the importance of recognizing sleep as a precursor to opioid poisoning, particularly among young people.
Researchers at University of Waterloo found that nasal-administered naloxone is more cost-effective than current intramuscular version, potentially reducing opioid-related deaths. The study suggests that publicly funding intranasal naloxone distribution across Canada could save additional lives.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found significant variation in opioid treatment for critically ill infants across different institutions and geographic regions. The study reports wide variability in opioid prescribing practices, which can impact hospitalization length of stay, healthcare costs, and long-term outcomes.
A new study led by Worcester Polytechnic Institute aims to determine whether AI can help doctors predict which patients will benefit from mindfulness-based stress reduction in managing chronic lower back pain. The research uses machine learning and physiological data from fitness sensors to detect patterns that may not be apparent to d...
The Oregon Poison Center has seen a dramatic increase in cases of young children exposed to fentanyl, with 539 cases managed in 2023, a 449% increase from 2016. The majority of exposures occurred at home, highlighting the need for education and awareness about preventing unintentional pediatric drug exposures.
Researchers found comparable pain management with less nausea-medication usage and reduced need for residential rehabilitation after hospital discharge. This switch also improved patient experience, enabling quicker return to daily activities.
A new study found that NC prosecutors believe DIH laws reduce overdoses and illicit drug distribution, but this is contradicted by evidence. The number of DIH prosecutions does not correlate with community-level variables like overdose rates.
A survey study reveals primary care pediatricians lack preparedness in managing adolescent OUD, with a notable gap compared to other substance use disorders. The results underscore the importance of workforce training programs to address this critical healthcare issue.
A new study examines perceptions of US veterans treatment court team members regarding the program's viability and longevity. The researchers found that team members believe VTCs will continue to exist and expand, but face challenges in securing stable funding sources and maintaining buy-in from key individuals.
A new study has found that heavy alcohol use and illicit opioid use are linked to a higher risk of falls and fractures among people living with HIV. The study suggests the need for targeted clinical screening and interventions to prevent falls and related injuries, particularly among populations already at risk.
Researchers found that American visitors to Florida were 63% more likely to die from a drug overdose compared to visitors to all other states. The high proportion of overdose deaths among visitors to Florida may be attributed to the state's 'Florida Shuffle' treatment loop and lack of regulation in pain management clinics.
Prescription opioids linked to increased risk of serious falls among adults, with older individuals most vulnerable. Targeted prevention efforts may be most effective within the first month after opioid initiation.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study suggests that increased access to potentially lethal prescription opioids has made it easier for women to end their lives. The study also found that a shrinking federal safety net has contributed to rising suicide rates during tough economic times, particularly among all adults.
Research suggests cannabis can help manage stimulant cravings in individuals at risk of overdose, with a notable reduction in crystal meth use observed among those who used cannabis for craving management. Further investigation is needed to understand the full potential of cannabis in addressing the overdose crisis.
A positive association was found between total prescription opioid dose dispensed and the odds of spontaneous preterm birth in a study of 251,000 pregnant patients. Minimizing opioid exposure during pregnancy is crucial to prevent spontaneous preterm delivery.
Pharmacist PDMP use fundamentally changed pharmacy work, interactions with patients and law enforcement, and roles. However, Chiarello argues that PDMPs are enforcement tools rather than healthcare tools, threatening the core of healthcare.
A real-world study published in Pain Practice found that patients with neuropathic back pain, postoperative/posttraumatic pain, or shingles experienced reduced pain intensity after multiple high-concentration capsaicin patch applications. The study also showed a significant reduction in opioid use among participants.
A clinical trial is underway to help patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stick with medication treatment. The trial uses a patient-administered wearable device that delivers mild electrical stimulation to alleviate symptoms of both conditions.
A new study by the University of Georgia suggests that reducing homelessness by 25% can save almost 2,000 lives lost to opioid overdoses. Strengthening social safety nets and increasing housing security could help curb growing deaths from drug and alcohol poisoning.
The American Dental Association has released a new clinical practice guideline recommending the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone or with acetaminophen to manage short-term dental pain in adolescents and adults. The guideline also provides recommendations for prescribing opioid medications, emphasizing caution ...
University of Texas at Dallas researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind, handheld electrochemical sensor that can accurately detect fentanyl in urine within seconds. The device detects even trace amounts of fentanyl with 98% accuracy and could be used to test for the drug in saliva, helping first responders make treatment decisions.
Xylazine, a veterinary medication, has been found in the illicit opioid supply, rendering naloxone ineffective in treating overdose cases. Specialized addictions care remains crucial in addressing underlying substance use disorders.
The latest APA journals issue highlights new developments in understanding and treating opioid and cannabis use disorders. The focus also includes trends in telepsychiatry and emerging topics in reproductive psychiatry.
A new study found that people with drug-related cardiac arrests in the U.S. were more likely to be younger and have fewer coexisting health conditions compared to non-drug-related cardiac arrests, which was a surprising finding given the increasing number of overdose deaths.
A recent study found disparities in access to integrative health and medicine, as well as nonpharmacologic therapies, among vulnerable populations with chronic pain. These findings highlight the need for policy changes to promote equitable access to these evidence-based modalities.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that opioid prescription limits are effective in reducing prescription length when set according to the type of doctor visit. The study, which analyzed data from West Virginia from 2017-2019, showed a significant reduction in prescription lengths for patients in hospital and outpatient settings.
A large study of 401,000 neonates found prenatal opioid exposure was associated with an increased risk of infection, eczema and dermatitis, and asthma. The findings highlight the need for further research into opioid-induced immune changes during pregnancy.
Researchers found that counties with higher uninsured rates and reduced access to mental health services have higher opioid prescriptions. Conversely, better healthcare quality was associated with a greater drop in opioid prescriptions over time.
A study by Christina Andrews and her team found substantial variation in prior authorization use among different states and plan types. For-profit plans and those located in Republican-majority states were more likely to impose prior authorization policies, restricting access to life-saving treatment buprenorphine.
Physicians who received notifications with additional planning guidance reduced prescriptions of opioids by nearly 13% and prescriptions of the anxiety medication benzodiazepines by more than 8%. The study suggests that providing physicians a simple plan to guide them at patient visits can help temper their use of these drugs.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that patients who received N-acetylcysteine (NAC) during spinal surgery reported lower pain scores and requested fewer opioids. This could lead to a reduction in opioid use after surgery, a crucial step towards minimizing addictive potential.
Research found a significant increase in cardiovascular disease deaths related to substance use, particularly among young adults and certain racial and ethnic groups. The study highlights the need for comprehensive public health efforts to address substance use and its impact on heart health.
A new study found that only about half of residential addiction treatment facilities for adolescents have a bed immediately available, with the average daily cost per day of treatment being $878. The study also revealed that only seven states have a facility that accepts Medicaid, has a bed open the same day, and offers buprenorphine.
Only 4.1% of hospital encounters for opioid overdoses led to opioid agonist therapy (OAT) initiation within a week of discharge from hospital, highlighting missed opportunities to prevent future mortality and morbidity related to opioid use disorder. Studies show that prompt OAT initiation in the emergency department is crucial to redu...