Evidence suggests that harmful effects of opioids are more likely to happen to people who take opioids for 3 months or more, or who take higher doses of opioids. The harms from opioids can range from mild to severe and can end up causing death.
High-risk prescription opioid use: 10 things you need to know
Opioid use for the management of acute pain is widely acknowledged as appropriate, however the evidence base supporting use in chronic non-cancer pain is less robust.
Approaching difficult conversations with patients about opioid use
In this episode, NPS MedicineWise medical advisor Dr Caroline West speaks with Dr Richard O’Regan, an addiction medicine consultant with the Royal Perth Bentley Group about opioid addiction and how to have those very useful, but sometimes very difficult, conversations with patients.
Gabapentinoid misuse: a growing problem
Pregabalin and gabapentin (gabapentinoids), traditionally used to treat epilepsy, have increasingly been prescribed for pain. Now concerns are rising about risk of harms and misuse with these medicines.
Naloxone nasal spray (Nyxoid) for opioid overdose
PBS listing of naloxone nasal spray to increase naloxone use as emergency rescue treatment in the community.
Podcast: Understanding codeine dependency: Diagnosis
In conversation – Dr Malcolm Dobbin and Dr Jill Thistlethwaite discuss codeine misuse disorder and the diagnosis of codeine dependency. Malcolm is a Public Health Physician with a special interest in the misuse of medicines, including over-the-counter codeine, and Jill is a GP and NPS MedicineWise Medical Advisor.
Podcast: Understanding codeine dependency: Management
Highlights of Dr Jill Thistlethwaite’s conversation with Dr Malcolm Dobbin on the management of codeine dependency.
Rates of paracetamol overdose continue to rise in Australia
Although health professionals may assume that patients know how to use paracetamol, studies show that overdoses of this common medicine are increasing.
Accidental fentanyl exposure in children can be fatal
Infants and children are at higher risk of accidental exposure to fentanyl, a potent opioid that treats pain. Fentanyl patches are particularly dangerous.
Podcast series: Safer patient care in the era of SafeScript
Listen to our multidisciplinary panel of experts and consumers as they discuss the clinical risks associated with long-term opioid and benzodiazepine use, the importance of ensuring continuity of care for all patients, and how SafeScript, Victoria’s real-time prescription system, is assisting clinicians to provide safer patient care.
SafeScript podcast 1: Opioids: Helping or hindering your patient?
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Opioids, chronic pain and the bigger picture
Opioid medicines in chronic non-cancer pain – balancing opioid-related harm with effective pain management and quality of life.
Neuropathic pain
Accurate diagnosis is key to optimal management of this challenging condition.
Low back pain
Providing reassurance, encouraging activity and reducing reliance on imaging.
Opioids: New and amended PBS listings
Changes made to support the appropriate prescribing and use of opioids, and reduce harms.
Medicinal cannabis: what you need to know
Information and resources about medicinal cannabis for consumers and health professionals.
Choosing Wisely Australia
Choosing Wisely recommendations for opioids across different healthcare settings.