CDC: 10.7% of US Adults Used Rx Pain Meds in 2015 to 2018
No change found in use of prescription opioids from 2009-2010 to 2017-2018, but increase seen in nonopioid meds
Narcotic Analgesics
USPSTF Urges Primary Care Docs to Ask Adults About Drug Use
Evidence inadequate to assess benefits and harms of screening for unhealthy drug use in teens.
Co-Dispensing of Benzodiazepines and Opioids Dangerous in HD
Patients on hemodialysis who use opioids concurrently with a short-acting benzodiazepine are especially at risk for early death, a study found.
Physicians Report Low Interest in Opioid Use Disorder Meds
Few PCPs report obtaining buprenorphine waiver orprescribing buprenorphine, naltrexone for OUD.
DEA: 2020 Drugs of Abuse Resource Guide Now Available
The guide includes information on a drug’s origin, common street names, how it is abused, what effect it has on the mind and body, what the overdose effects are, and what its legal status is in the US.
Guidance Issued on Managing Pain During Public Health Crises
In order to provide national guidance addressing issues surrounding pain management practices, an expert panel was convened to provide a framework for pain practitioners and institutions.
Many Legal Marijuana Products Too Strong for Treating Pain
Majority of products in medicinal, recreational programs advertised to have >15 percent THC.
Dr. Reddy’s Launches Naloxone HCl Injection in Single-Dose Prefilled Syringes
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories announced the availability of Naloxone Hydrochloride Injection, a therapeutic equivalent generic version of Narcan.
Evidence Lacking for Pharmacologic Therapy for Cannabis Use Disorder
Several drug classes including cannabinoids, SSRIs seem to be ineffective for cannabis use disorder
Medication Treatment May Lower Risk for Opioid Overdose Death
But protective effect during care does not last after discontinuation of treatment for opioid use disorder.
