5 Important Opioid Updates

Nov 22, 2016

One in three U.S. adults with arthritis are prescribed opioids, which vary by mortality risk and effectiveness, researchers recently reported at ACR 2016.

One in three U.S. adults with arthritis are prescribed opioids, which vary greatly in regards to the risk of death and effectiveness. In this slideshow, we highlight five opioid take-a-ways reported by researchers at the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting held this month in Washington, D.C.

(Espresso. Â©SubbotinaAnna/Shutterstock.com); (Prescription bottle. Â©Burlingham/Shutterstock.com); (Prescription pad. Â©megaflopp/Shutterstock.com); (Antidepressants. Â©LeaRojec/Shutterstock.com)

"Prevalence and Trends in Prescribed Opioid Use Among US Adults with Arthritis, 2008-2013, Medical Expenditure Panel Survey," Jennifer M. Hootman. American College of Rheumatology annual meeting 2016. Abstract number 2185. http://acrabstracts.org/abstract/prevalence-and-trends-in-prescribed-opioid-use-among-us-adults-with-arthritis-2008-2013-medical-expenditure-panel-survey/

"Opioid Use and Death in Chronic Pain Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosis," Romy Cabacungan. American College of Rheumatology annual meeting 2016. Abstract number 1182. http://acrabstracts.org/abstract/opiod-use-and-death-in-chronic-pain-patients-with-systemic-lupus-erythematosis/

"Influence of Caffeine on Opioid Analgesics in Fibromyalgia," J. Ryan Scott. American College of Rheumatology annual meeting 2016. Abstract number 2224. http://acrabstracts.org/abstract/influence-of-caffeine-on-opioid-analgesics-in-fibromyalgia/

"Analgesic Use and Subsequent Risk of Falls in Participants with or at Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis," Wei-Hsuan Lo-Ciganic. American College of Rheumatology annual meeting 2016. Abstract number 2186. http://acrabstracts.org/abstract/analgesic-use-and-subsequent-risk-of-falls-in-participants-with-or-at-risk-of-knee-osteoarthritis/

"Comparative Safety of Long-Acting Opioids for Non-Cancer Pain," Cecilia P. Chung. American College of Rheumatology annual meeting 2016. Abstract number 1982. http://acrabstracts.org/abstract/comparative-safety-of-long-acting-opioids-for-non-cancer-pain/