Opioids Are A Class Of Drugs That Are Used For Managing Chronic Pain In Case Of Cancer Or Any Terminal Illness
Opioids |
Opioids are drugs that bind to and activate
opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which can reduce pain. They are
used to treat certain types of pain, such as severe headaches and backaches.
They are also prescribed to help people recover from surgery or to control pain
after cancer treatments.
A
variety of opioids are available on the market for medical use, including
morphine, methadone, and buprenorphine. The most common use of opioids is to
treat pain. However, they can also be abused. Some people misuse prescription
opioids by taking them more often or in larger amounts than they are
prescribed. Others take them to get high.
Misuse
of Opioids
can lead to addiction or overdose.
It is important to talk with the healthcare provider before using an opioid.
The benefits of opioids for treating chronic pain can outweigh the risks. For
some people with chronic pain, opioids provide relief without the negative side
effects or dependence that can occur when other medications don't work.
Patients
who have been treated with opioids for chronic pain should have frequent, close
follow-up with their healthcare providers. This will include regular
appointments where pain levels are monitored. If the pain doesn't improve, the
medications will be stopped and the patient will be evaluated for possible
other treatment options.
Opioids medications can be prescribed for
short or long periods of time, depending on the severity and type of pain.
Prescription opioids aren't typically used long-term as they can build up in
the body, causing dangerous side effects or dependence.
There
are several types of prescription opioids, including oxycodone, hydrocodone,
naltrexone, and methadone. These medications can be given as immediate-release
or extended-release tablets, capsules, or injections.
Intravenous
administration is mainly used in cases where oral or other less invasive
methods are not appropriate, such as in patients with advanced cancer and in
palliative care. This procedure requires nursing support, which can increase
costs.
Oral
ER formulations of Opioids are suitable
for most of patients with moderate to severe chronic pain. These formulations
have been developed by combining different polymer systems that result in
sustained release of the drug and a longer therapeutic blood concentration.
These
opioids are effective in reducing the appearance of withdrawal symptoms. As ER
formulations do not have the first-pass effect and the organ-dependent
metabolism, which allows for shorter administration intervals than other oral
dosage forms.
The
use of controlled-release Opioids is
increasingly a viable option for a better pain control with a reduced risk for
adverse effects, especially in older or more severe patients. A large number of
oral ER formulations are currently available, offering a variety of advantages
and disadvantages.
Esteve
Pharmaceuticals gained approval for SEGLENTIS from the US FDA in October 2021.
It is used for managing acute pain in adults.
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