Anesthesia Experts

Should Naloxone Be Prescribed for Patients Taking Opioids for Chronic Pain?

by Leave a Comment

Authors: Walley AY and Green TC.

Published in Ann Intern Med 2016 Jun 28;

Coprescribing naloxone was associated with fewer opioid-related emergency room visits.
Many communities that use targeted distribution of the short-acting opioid antagonist naloxone to reverse unintentional opioid overdoses have seen declines in community-level opioid overdose–related mortality. In this observational study from six “safety net” clinics in San Francisco, researchers evaluated the feasibility and effect of coprescribing naloxone to primary care patients who were taking opioids for chronic pain. Providers and clinic staff were trained on indications for prescribing naloxone and how to educate patients about naloxone use.

Among 1985 patients who were receiving long-term opioids (most commonly, oxycodone), 33% were prescribed naloxone as well. Patients who received naloxone coprescriptions were more likely to have visited emergency departments (EDs) previously for opioid-related reasons and to be taking higher doses of opioids. During 12 months after naloxone coprescription, patients who were prescribed naloxone versus those who were not made 63% fewer opioid-related ED visits.

Comment

Naloxone coprescription in this primary care setting was associated with fewer opioid-related ED visits. Although this study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing such a strategy, it was not designed to identify how naloxone lowered the number of ED visits; for example, data on actual naloxone use were unavailable. Nonetheless, the findings are consistent with recent CDC guidelines that recommend that naloxone prescription be considered for patients with histories of overdose, substance use disorders, opioid doses of ≥50 MEQ (morphine equivalents) daily, or concurrent benzodiazepine use.

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