This entire opioid scare has done great harm to the chronic pain patients who suddenly were ripped from their tried-and-true pain regimen that many times helped them remain gainfully employed. Doctors did great harm by not SLOWLY tapering patients down on their pain meds, fearfully saying they weren't going to prescribe pain meds any more. Now, what should have been specified IN THE FIRST PLACE regarding the vast difference between addiction and
dependence - ANY patient on meds for chronic pain becomes dependent, but few become addicted. Now, it has been shown that there is a genetic SNIP that indicates those likely to have addictive tendencies. What all this stupidity has caused is a huge increase in the suicide rate of chronic pain patients. Sadly, this stupidity isn't likely to be remedied any time soon.
Lymerick

Email notice

A statement from FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb is drawing cheers from the pain community. Gottlieb drew an important distinction between opioid addiction and dependence when he said, "Someone who is physically dependent on opioids as a result of the treatment of pain but who is not craving the drugs is not addicted."

An eye-opening new study warns that the overdose crisis will "substantially worsen" and over a million Americans could die from opioid overdoses in coming years. Most of the deaths will involve Iliicit fentanyl and heroin, not prescription opioids.

"Mexican Oxy" -- counterfeit pills made with fentanyl -- are increasingly linked to many of those overdoses. The pills look just like prescription oxycodone and are being mass-produced in makeshift drug labs in Mexico and the U.S.

An old drug used in cough syrup and cold medicine shows new potential for treating chronic neuropathic pain. Researchers say ambroxol has significantly relieved pain in studies on patients with trigeminal neuralgia, CRPS and fibromyalgia.

Federal prosecutors have taken the unusual step of warning 180 of the top opioid prescribers in Wisconsin that they could be subject to criminal prosecution. Prosecutors won't say if the prescribers are under investigation or if they've been linked to any overdoses. Critics say the warning could have a chilling effect on other doctors.

Pain creams are sometimes touted as a safer alternative to opioids. But a new study finds that compunded pain creams are no more effective than a placebo and not worth the cost -- which can reach thousands of dollars.

Have you checked out PNN's Patient Resources page? You can get help finding a new doctor and learn ways to save money on everything from prescriptions to surgeries.

Sincerely,

Pat Anson
President and Editor
Pain News Network