Opioid Resource Center
From the Journals
Direct pharmacy dispensing of naloxone linked to drop in fatal overdoses
But emergency department visits related to opioids increased in new adopters of direct authority laws.
From the Journals
Only 1.5% of individuals at high risk of opioid overdose receive naloxone
“Clinicians can address this gap by regularly prescribing naloxone to eligible patients.”
Conference Coverage
Outpatient program successfully tackles substance use and chronic pain
MILWAUKEE – Pain and substance use issues are frequently comorbid in the military health population.
Feature
EU authorization recommended for buprenorphine implant
The recommendation for marketing authorization is an intermediary step on the way to making the opioid use disorder treatment, called Sixmo,...
Conference Coverage
Medical cannabis relieved pain, decreased opioid use in elderly
Medical cannabis was an effective and well-tolerated treatment in an elderly cohort of patients with chronic pain.
From the Journals
Deadly overlap of fentanyl and stimulants on the rise
The combination of fentanyl and either cocaine or methamphetamine may help explain increasing overdoses related to those stimulants.
News from the FDA/CDC
CDC warns against misuse of opioid-prescribing guideline
Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are advising against misapplication of the agency’s guideline on opioid prescribing....
News
FDA approves generic naloxone spray for opioid overdose treatment
The agency said the naloxone nasal spray does not need assembly and can be used by anyone, regardless of medical training.
News
FDA to expand opioid labeling with instructions on proper tapering
The label changes are intended to be used when both the clinician and patient have agreed to reduce the opioid dosage.
Conference Coverage
NIH’s HEAL initiative seeks coordinated effort to tackle pain, addiction
MILWAUKEE – The two aims of research under the initiative are to improve treatments for misuse and addiction, and to enhance pain management.
Feature
Report calls for focus on ‘subpopulations’ to fight opioid epidemic
“Methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone ... save lives” but most people with OUD get no treatment, new report says.