Cause and Management of Opioid Overdoses Among Cancer Patients
Opioids are commonly prescribed drugs in management of cancer related pain; the source of the pain may be the anatomical location of the mass or adverse effects of the therapeutic intervention. Due to vulnerable psychological state, cancer patients tend to feel more pain and hence, they are more prone to overdose. Opioids for cancer patients, are prescribed following the devised guidelines, which warrant easy access to opioids by cancer patients along with calculated dosage to ensure safety. Literature revealed 2-times higher number of cancer patients visiting ER due to opioid toxicity as compared to non-cancer patients. This large number is attributed to inefficient pain management by palliative treatment providers, inappropriate dosing of opioids and confusion among patients while talking multiple drugs at a time. The patients may present with respiratory depression and altered mentation. Management may involve respiratory support. Naloxone, the opioid antagonists, is administered in case of opioid toxicity. Patient education, strict monitoring of dosages and efficient pain management are imperative to prevent opioid overdosing in cancer patients. Source Emergency Department Visits for Opioid Overdoses Among Patients With Cancer https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article-abstract/112/9/938/5679776 Image via https://www.statnews.com/2018/12/06/overzealous-use-cdc-opioid-prescribing-guideline/