15 August 2006

NPS is rolling out a new health professional education program on the use of analgesics in persistent, non malignant pain.

As it affects around 20% of people, persistent pain poses a serious health burden and is a major issue for sufferers as well as health professional and consumer representative groups.

The NPS Analgesic choices in persistent pain program focuses on the use of analgesics, including paracetamol, NSAIDs and opioids, in the management of osteoarthritis and back complaints.

“It is timely to reexamine practice in the use of analgesics in persistent musculoskeletal conditions particularly in light of newer evidence of risks of NSAIDs and the good safety profile of paracetamol which is now available in a modified release formulation” said Associate Professor Milton Cohen, Department of Medicine, St Vincent’s Clinical School in Sydney and expert reviewer for the topic.

The program explores the newer COX-2 selective NSAIDs, the importance of avoiding adverse reactions and drug interactions with tramadol. It also discusses the appropriate usage of strong opioids.

General practitioner prescribing of NSAIDs was highest in 2000-01 at 6.8 per 100 encounters after the introduction of the first of the COX-2 selective NSAIDs. In 2004-05 it had fallen to 5.6 per 100 encounters. Of importance here is that GPs prescribe or recommend OTC purchase of paracetamol, which is the analgesic of first choice for most conditions, at a similar rate i.e. 5.5 per 100 encounters1

Paracetamol has good effectiveness in mild-to-moderate pain and has very few adverse effects.

“Non-drug measures also play an important role in the management of persistent pain however Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) remains central to creating genuine positive health outcomes for health professionals and their patients” said Dr Lynn Weekes, CEO, NPS.

“The basic tenants of QUM, selecting management options wisely, choosing suitable medicines if a medicine is considered necessary and using medicines safely and effectively apply equally to decisions about medicines used by individuals and decisions that affect the health of the population” concluded Dr Weekes.

More information about the topic can be found in the latest issue of NPS News 47 which is available in hardcopy and electronically www.nps.org.au/healthprofessional

A range of program materials including case study and GP and Pharmacy audits will also be available. Divisions of General Practice around the country will deliver the educational topic over the coming months.

ENDS

National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines. We provide accurate, balanced, evidence-based information and services to help people choose if, when and how to use medicines to improve their health and wellbeing. We are member-based and work in partnership with health professionals, government, pharmaceutical industry and consumers. NPS is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.