Anesthesia Experts

Immediate-Release Opioids Get Label Changes, Boxed Warning

by Leave a Comment

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH

All immediate-release prescription opioids must now carry a boxed warning about the risks for abuse, addiction, and misuse associated with the painkillers, the FDA announced on Tuesday.

The updates include the following:

  • A warning that immediate-release opioids are intended to be taken every 4–6 hours and should only be used for severe pain that is not alleviated by alternative treatments
  • Instructions on dosage, patient monitoring, and dosage changes during treatment
  • A warning that treatment shouldn’t be stopped suddenly in patients who are physically dependent on the drugs
  • A warning that pregnant women who chronically use opioids put their newborns at risk for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome

The FDA also added safety information to all prescription opioids, including those used to treat opioid addiction. They warned that opioids can interact with other drugs and lead to serotonin syndrome. Opioids can also put patients at risk for adrenal insufficiency and androgen deficiency.

Leave a Reply

Call (660) 596-2224
What people thought about us

Testimonials

“As Director of Surgical Services Departments there has been considerable changes have occurred in my department and Anesthesia Experts has always risen to meet our demands of our facility. They have been very pro-active in meeting the increase volumes allowing us to keep our surgeons and patients very satisfied with our services.”

AR BSN 346 beds AL   

“Before AE took over the anesthesia department was described by the surgeons as the worst in the history of our hospital. The prior management company was having a cancelled surgery per day. I am happy to report there has not been one since they have taken over the department. Additionally we have seen a 905 reduction if requested preop
lab tests. The anesthesia department is now the very best hospital department in our entire facility.”

DS CEO 272 beds MS   

“Anesthesia Experts has provided consistent anesthesia providers who display a high degree of integrity, responsibility and professionalism. They have become a more valuable part of our facility and community.”

LR CEO 150 beds TX   

“Even though they are physically located 1000 miles away Anesthesia Experts just does not provide great anesthesia coverage they personally engage surgeons to increase their business. Last year my surgical volume rose by 24% and we are currently 50% ahead of last year and all of that growth is organic.”

JE FACHE CEO AL 92 bed hospital   

“Anesthesia Experts is more responsive than anyone I have dealt with. They are available by phone whenever needed and will be on site for any need or request and has been on site to address issues before we can make the request.”

SW CEO 25 beds NM   

“While problems are extremely rare when they do occur Anesthesia Experts quickly and professionally implements a solution. Our surgical volume has grown over 100 cases per month and now our GI docs want to perform all of their endoscopies in our hospital instead of their GI lab that they own!”

SP CEO 346 beds AL   

“Our anesthesia department was a thorn in my side that kept me awake at night. Anesthesia Experts swept in and brought order to our mess and our department was quickly redirected.”

JAM CNO AL 89 bed hospital   

Add a Testimonial

Verification Captcha