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What to do before initiating OT?
an individualized assessment of potential opioid-related harms relative to realistic treatment goals must be completed
[ "Prior to initiating OT, an individualized assessment of potential opioid-related harms relative to realistic treatment goals must be completed. After initiating OT, frequent visits contribute to the appropriate use and adjustment of the planned therapy. The Work Group recommends follow-up at least every three mon...
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[ "200" ]
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[ "Patients should be informed that progression from acute to long-term OT is associated with little evidence for sustained analgesic efficacy but a substantial increase in risk for OUD. Providers should discuss this information with patients at initiation of OT and continuously thereafter to ensure that the patient...
Which government agencies launched initiatives to improve the study and treatment of pain and adverse events associated with opioid analgesics?
VA, DoD, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
[ "Government agencies, including the VA, DoD, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), have also launched initiatives to improve the study and treatment of pain and adverse events associated with opioid analgesics such as OUD and overdose. By August 2013, the VA deployed the Opioid ...
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[ "201" ]
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[ "With the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in March 2010, the Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee was created to coordinate pain research efforts throughout federal government agencies. The Committee was tasked with summarizing advances in pain care research, identif...
What is one of the most costly chronic medical conditions in the U.S.?
Chronic pain
[ "Chronic pain is among the most common, costly, and disabling chronic medical conditions in the U.S. In the U.S., approximately 100 million adults experience chronic pain, and pain is associated with approximately 20% of ambulatory primary care and specialty visits. Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, the propor...
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[ "202" ]
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[ "Chronic pain is a national public health problem as outlined in the 2011 study by the National Academy of Medicine (previously the Institute of Medicine [IOM]). At least 100 million Americans suffer from some form of chronic pain. Until recently, the treatment of chronic pain with opioids was increasing at an alar...
When may a consultation with an allergist be helpful?
When an opioid allergy is present and OT is being considered
[ "True allergy to opioid agents: Morphine causes a release of histamine that frequently results in itching, but this does not constitute an allergic reaction. True allergy to opioid agents (e.g., anaphylaxis) is not common, but does occur. Generally, allergy to one opioid does not mean the patient is allergic to ...
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[ "203" ]
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[ "While these guidelines are broadly recommended, their implementation is intended to be patient centered. Thus, treatment and care should take into account a patient’s needs and preferences. Good communication between healthcare professionals and the patient about the patient’s pain experience, treatment goals, a...
When should the providers discuss with patients that progression from acute to long-term OT is associated with little evidence for sustained analgesic efficacy but a substantial increase in risk for OUD?
at initiation of OT and continuously thereafter
[ "Patients should be informed that progression from acute to long-term OT is associated with little evidence for sustained analgesic efficacy but a substantial increase in risk for OUD. Providers should discuss this information with patients at initiation of OT and continuously thereafter to ensure that the patient...
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[ "204" ]
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[ "The relationship between OUD and duration of therapy is magnified when patients have a history of previous opioid or non-opioid SUD. A cross-sectional cohort study found that provision of LOT (four prescriptions within a 12 month period) to CNCP patients who had a history of severe OUD resulted in increased odd...
What was the aim of the National Pain Strategy?
decreasing the prevalence of all types of pain (acute and chronic) in the U.S., as well as the disability and morbidity associated with pain
[ "With the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in March 2010, the Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee was created to coordinate pain research efforts throughout federal government agencies. The Committee was tasked with summarizing advances in pain care research, identif...
cpgqa
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[ "205" ]
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[ "In 2011, in response to the recognition of pain and its management as a public health problem, the National Academy of Medicine investigated and reported on the state of pain research, treatment, and education in the U.S. The report called for a cultural transformation in the way pain is viewed and treated.[3] ...
What has been explored as a strategy to reduce the amount of opioids in the community?
Returning unused opioid medications
[ "Take Back Programs: Returning unused opioid medications has been explored as a strategy to reduce the amount of opioids in the community, as it has been estimated that 70% of opioid prescriptions are left unused.[115] Accordingly, the National Drug Control Strategy advocates take back programs as an effective to...
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[ "206" ]
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[ "Community-based Needle Exchange Programs or Syringe Service Programs: Nearly 80% of new users of injectable opioids had previously used prescription oral opioid pain medication.[118,119] Illicit use of injectable opioids is accompanied by an increased rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis infect...
What strategies will help in the transition?
discussion, asking about goals, educating the veteran
[ "When a decision is made to taper, special attention must be given to ensure that the Veteran does not feel abandoned. Prior to any changes being made in opioid prescribing, a discussion should occur between the Veteran, family members/caregivers, and the provider either during a face-to-face appointment or on the ...
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[ "207" ]
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[ "We recommend implementing risk mitigation strategies upon initiation of long-term opioid therapy, starting with an informed consent conversation covering the risks and benefits of opioid therapy as well as alternative therapies. The strategies and their frequency should be commensurate with risk factors and inc...
What to do if there is an increase in patient distress?
repeat comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment and see if an SUD is identified
[ "Module C is on tapering or discontinuation of opioid therapy. If there is indication to taper to reduced dose or taper to discontinuation, repeat comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment. Then see if the patient demonstrates signs or symptoms of SUD. If the patient demonstrates signs or symptoms of SUD, then see w...
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[ "208" ]
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[ "Some patients on LOT who suffer from chronic pain and co-occurring OUD, depression, and/or personality disorders may threaten suicide when providers recommend discontinuation of opioids. However, continuing LOT to “prevent suicide” in someone with chronic pain is not recommended as an appropriate response if suic...
Name the concerning factors regarding the use of OT prior to 1980s.
tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction
[ "A paradigm shift in the use of OT for chronic non-terminal pain has paralleled this transformation in pain care. Prior to the 1980s, OT was rarely used outside of severe acute injury or post-surgical pain, primarily due to concern for tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction. As the hospice and palliative ca...
cpgqa
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[ "209" ]
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[ "There is a paradigm shift occurring in approaches to ensuring and documenting patient and provider understanding and expectations regarding the risks and benefits of LOT. The 2010 OT CPG reflected prior practice of using opioid treatment (or pain care) agreements. OTAs have been described as coercive rather tha...
What is the stance regarding long-term opioid therapy for patients less than 30 years of age secondary to higher risk of opioid use disorder and overdose?
recommend against
[ "We recommend against the concurrent use of benzodiazepines and opioids. Note: For patients currently on long-term opioid therapy and benzodiazepines, consider tapering one or both when risks exceed benefits and obtaining specialty consultation as appropriate. We recommend against long-term opioid therapy for patie...
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[ "210" ]
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[ "a) We recommend against long-term opioid therapy for patients less than 30 years of age secondary to higher risk of opioid use disorder and overdose. (Strong against) b) For patients less than 30 years of age currently on long-term opioid therapy, we recommend close monitoring and consideration for tapering when...
What is an ineffective treatment modality for patients with tension-type headaches?
LOT
[ "Headache not responsive to other pain treatment modalities: LOT is an ineffective treatment modality for patients with migraine headaches (with or without aura), tension-type headaches, occipital neuralgia, or myofascial pain and may result in worsening of the underlying headache condition through factors such ...
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[ "211" ]
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[ "The treatment options for anxiety, dysphoria, lacrimation, and rhinorrhea are hydroxyzine 25 to 50 mg three times a day as needed, diphenhydramine 25 mg every 6 hours as needed. Avoid diphenhydramine for Veterans older than 65 years. The treatment options for myalgias are NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen 375 to 500 mg twice...
What is the alternative treatment option for autonomic symptoms using Tizanidine?
4 mg three times daily, can increase to 8 mg three times daily
[ "Consider use of adjuvant medications during the taper to reduce withdrawal symptoms. The first-line treatment option for autonomic symptoms such as sweating, tachycardia, myoclonus is clonidine 0.1 to 0.2 mg oral every 6 to 8 hours; hold dose if blood pressure <90/60 mmHg (0.1 to 0.2 mg 2 to 4 times daily is commo...
cpgqa
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[ "212" ]
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[ "The treatment options for anxiety, dysphoria, lacrimation, and rhinorrhea are hydroxyzine 25 to 50 mg three times a day as needed, diphenhydramine 25 mg every 6 hours as needed. Avoid diphenhydramine for Veterans older than 65 years. The treatment options for myalgias are NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen 375 to 500 mg twice...
Who will need to determine whether a telephone or in-clinic appointment is appropriate based on the risk category of the Veteran?
Providers
[ "Follow-up for tapering should be done with PACT Team. Follow-up for tapering is recommended to be a team function with various team members taking on roles in which they have demonstrated specific competencies. Mental health practitioners may need to be included in the follow-up plan. During the slowest taper, fol...
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[ "213" ]
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[ "When a decision is made to taper, special attention must be given to ensure that the Veteran does not feel abandoned. Prior to any changes being made in opioid prescribing, a discussion should occur between the Veteran, family members/caregivers, and the provider either during a face-to-face appointment or on the ...
What does it mean by SUD?
substance use disorder
[ "The components of biopsychosocial assessment are pain assessment, patient functional goals, impact of pain on family, work, life, review of previous diagnostic studies, additional consultations and referrals, coexisting illness and treatments and effect on pain, significant psychological, social, or behavioral fac...
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[ "214" ]
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[ "Opioids carry a significant risk for OUD, overdose, and death, especially among patients with untreated SUD. The recommendation against LOT for patients with SUD is supported by five large studies (four retrospective case cohort studies and one case cohort study).[59,61,66,86,87] Individually, these studies are...
What to do once opioid therapy is initiated?
all opioid risk mitigation strategies outlined in this guideline (see Recommendation 7) should be put into place
[ "While there is currently no evidence in the literature documenting the benefit of LOT that demonstrates improvement in pain and function, we recognize that in a rare subset of individuals a decision to initiate LOT may be considered (e.g., for intermittent severe exacerbations of chronic painful conditions). If ...
cpgqa
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[ "215" ]
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[ "Opioids are not first-line or routine therapy for chronic pain. Establish treatment goals before starting opioid therapy and a plan if therapy is discontinued. Only continue opioid if there is clinically meaningful improvement in pain and function. Discuss risks, benefits and responsibilities for managing therapy ...
The ultimate judgement regarding a particular clinical procedure or treatment course must be made in light of what?
the patient’s clinical presentation, patient preferences, and the available diagnostic and treatment options
[ "This guideline is not intended as a standard of care and should not be used as such. Standards of care are determined on the basis of all clinical data available for an individual case and are subject to change as scientific knowledge and technology advances and patterns evolve. Today there is variation among stat...
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[ "216" ]
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[ " This Clinical Practice Guideline is based on a systematic review of both clinical and epidemiological evidence. Developed by a panel of multidisciplinary experts, it provides a clear explanation of the logical relationships between various care options and health outcomes while rating both the quality of the evid...
What can happen with a strategy of escalating dose during OT?
A strategy of escalating dose to achieve benefit increases risk and has not been shown to improve function.
[ "Module B is about treatment with opioid therapy. The treatment of opioid therapy is provided to the candidate for trial of OT with consent (in conjunction with a comprehensive pain care plan). Initiate OT using the following approach: short duration (e.g., 1 week initial prescription; no more than 3 months total),...
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[ "217" ]
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[ "The risks of acute OT extending into LOT are increased in patients with mood disorders, those who refill the initial prescription, higher prescribed dose (greater than 120 mg MEDD), and initiation using long acting opioids.[183-185] The risk of acute post-operative OT progressing into LOT is increased with a his...
What should be done before the opioids are prescribed?
Risk mitigation for LOT should begin
[ "Risk mitigation for LOT should begin before the opioids are prescribed, through an informed consent discussion, reviewing the patient’s history, checking state PDMPs, or instructing patients about using drug take back programs to dispose of unused medication. It should also occur concurrently with the therapy (...
cpgqa
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[ "218" ]
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[ "Opioids are not first-line or routine therapy for chronic pain. Establish treatment goals before starting opioid therapy and a plan if therapy is discontinued. Only continue opioid if there is clinically meaningful improvement in pain and function. Discuss risks, benefits and responsibilities for managing therapy ...
Who were significantly less likely than 20-44 year olds to have non-detection of a prescribed opioid (indicating possible diversion)?
Patients in the 45-64 and ≥65 age groups
[ "Younger patients are also at a higher risk of opioid misuse (as suggested by a UDT indicating high-risk medication-related behavior). Turner et al. (2014) showed that patients in the 45-64 year age group were significantly less likely to have an aberrant UDT (detection of a non-prescribed opioid, non-prescribed ...
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[ "219" ]
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[ "The added risk that younger patients using opioids face for OUD and overdose is great. Edlund et al. (2014) found that, compared to patients ≥65 years old, patients 18-30 years old carried 11 times the odds of OUD and overdose. Patients 31-40 years old carried 5 times the odds of OUD and overdose compared to tho...
What is LOT?
long-term opioid therapy
[ "The components of biopsychosocial assessment are pain assessment, patient functional goals, impact of pain on family, work, life, review of previous diagnostic studies, additional consultations and referrals, coexisting illness and treatments and effect on pain, significant psychological, social, or behavioral fac...
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[ "220" ]
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[ "Conditions that significantly increase the risk of adverse outcomes from LOT are Duration and dose of OT, Severe respiratory instability or sleep disordered breathing, Acute psychiatric instability or intermediate to high acute suicide risk, Mental health disorders, History of drug overdose, Under 30 years of age,...
From 2000 through 2010, what was the increment of the proportion of pain visits during which non-opioid pharmacologic therapies were prescribed?
from 26% to 29%
[ "From 2000 through 2010, the proportion of pain visits during which opioid and non-opioid pharmacologic therapies were prescribed increased from 11.3% to 19.6% and from 26% to 29%, respectively. In 2012, for every 100 persons in the United States (U.S.), 82.5 opioid prescriptions and 37.6 benzodiazepine prescriptio...
cpgqa
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[ "221" ]
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[ "Chronic pain is among the most common, costly, and disabling chronic medical conditions in the U.S. In the U.S., approximately 100 million adults experience chronic pain, and pain is associated with approximately 20% of ambulatory primary care and specialty visits. Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, the propor...
What to consider for patients currently on long-term opioid therapy and benzodiazepines?
consider tapering one or both when risks exceed benefits and obtaining specialty consultation as appropriate
[ "We recommend against the concurrent use of benzodiazepines and opioids. Note: For patients currently on long-term opioid therapy and benzodiazepines, consider tapering one or both when risks exceed benefits and obtaining specialty consultation as appropriate. We recommend against long-term opioid therapy for patie...
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[ "222" ]
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[ "We recommend against the concurrent use of benzodiazepines and opioids. (Strong against | Reviewed, New-added) Note: For patients currently on long-term opioid therapy and benzodiazepines, consider tapering one or both when risks exceed benefits and obtaining specialty consultation as appropriate (see Recommendati...
Where can more information be found on PTSD?
VA/DoD PTSD CPG
[ "Current or history of SUD: For patients with untreated SUD, see Recommendation 4. For patients with diagnosed OUD, see Recommendation 17. Frequent requests for early refills or atypically large quantities required to control pain can signal an emerging SUD as well as diversion (see Evidence for or history of div...
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[ "223" ]
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[ "In 2011, in response to the recognition of pain and its management as a public health problem, the National Academy of Medicine investigated and reported on the state of pain research, treatment, and education in the U.S. The report called for a cultural transformation in the way pain is viewed and treated.[3] ...
For whom to consider tapering one or both benzodiazepines and opioids when risks exceed benefits and obtaining specialty consultation as appropriate?
patients currently on long-term opioid therapy and benzodiazepines
[ "We recommend against the concurrent use of benzodiazepines and opioids. (Strong against | Reviewed, New-added) Note: For patients currently on long-term opioid therapy and benzodiazepines, consider tapering one or both when risks exceed benefits and obtaining specialty consultation as appropriate (see Recommendati...
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[ "224" ]
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[ "We recommend against the concurrent use of benzodiazepines and opioids. Note: For patients currently on long-term opioid therapy and benzodiazepines, consider tapering one or both when risks exceed benefits and obtaining specialty consultation as appropriate. We recommend against long-term opioid therapy for patie...
What to consider while deciding when to follow up with a patient after each change in dosage or after discontinuation?
patient and treatment characteristics
[ "Module C is on tapering or discontinuation of opioid therapy. If there is indication to taper to reduced dose or taper to discontinuation, repeat comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment. Then see if the patient demonstrates signs or symptoms of SUD. If the patient demonstrates signs or symptoms of SUD, then see w...
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[ "At follow-up visits, a clinician should re-examine the rationale for continuing the patient on OT. Clinicians should take into account changes in co-occurring conditions, diagnoses/medications, and functional status when conducting the risk/benefit analysis for LOT. Alcohol use, pregnancy, nursing of infants, and ...
What is an example of high-risk behaviors?
sharing needles
[ "Community-based Needle Exchange Programs or Syringe Service Programs: Nearly 80% of new users of injectable opioids had previously used prescription oral opioid pain medication.[118,119] Illicit use of injectable opioids is accompanied by an increased rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis infect...
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[ "226" ]
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[ "Opioids are associated with many risks and it may be determined that they are not indicated for pain management for a particular Veteran. Re-evaluate the risks and benefits of continuing opioid therapy when there is no pain reduction, no improvement in function or patient requests to discontinue therapy, severe un...
What to discuss during the treatment?
risks, benefits and responsibilities for managing therapy
[ "Opioids are not first-line or routine therapy for chronic pain. Establish treatment goals before starting opioid therapy and a plan if therapy is discontinued. Only continue opioid if there is clinically meaningful improvement in pain and function. Discuss risks, benefits and responsibilities for managing therapy ...
cpgqa
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[ "227" ]
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[ "When a decision is made to taper, special attention must be given to ensure that the Veteran does not feel abandoned. Prior to any changes being made in opioid prescribing, a discussion should occur between the Veteran, family members/caregivers, and the provider either during a face-to-face appointment or on the ...
How may pauses in the slowest opioid taper help the patient?
allow the patient time to acquire new skills for management of pain and emotional distress while allowing for neurobiological equilibration
[ "Slowest taper is done over years. In the slowest taper, reduce opioid by 2 to 10% every 4 to 8 weeks with pauses in taper as needed. Consider the slowest taper for patients taking high doses of long-acting opioids for many years. An example of the slowest taper is given below. During the first month in the slowest...
cpgqa
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[ "228" ]
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[ "Slower Taper is done over months or years. In the slower taper, reduce opioid by 5 to 20% every 4 weeks with pauses in taper as needed. Slower taper is the most common taper. An example of the slower taper is given below. During the first month in the slower taper, 16% opioid reduction of morphine SR 90 mg Q8h = ...
Why is ongoing assessment of suicide risk important whether one is initiating, maintaining, or terminating LOT?
Suicide risk is not static, and many factors influence an individual’s risk of suicide at any given point in time, as noted in the VA/DoD Suicide CPG.
[ "A number of studies suggest certain chronic pain conditions represent an independent risk factor for suicide.[123-130] A recent large retrospective cohort study also suggests an association with prescribed opioid dose and suicide risk among Veterans receiving OT for CNCP.[131] Suicide risk is not static, and many ...
cpgqa
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[ "229" ]
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[ "Some patients on LOT who suffer from chronic pain and co-occurring OUD, depression, and/or personality disorders may threaten suicide when providers recommend discontinuation of opioids. However, continuing LOT to “prevent suicide” in someone with chronic pain is not recommended as an appropriate response if suic...
What to do if there are issues with the Veteran obtaining outside prescriptions during the taper?
providing follow-up in a clinic visit may be more optimal than a telephone visit
[ "Follow-up for tapering should be done with PACT Team. Follow-up for tapering is recommended to be a team function with various team members taking on roles in which they have demonstrated specific competencies. Mental health practitioners may need to be included in the follow-up plan. During the slowest taper, fol...
cpgqa
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[ "230" ]
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[ "When a decision is made to taper, special attention must be given to ensure that the Veteran does not feel abandoned. Prior to any changes being made in opioid prescribing, a discussion should occur between the Veteran, family members/caregivers, and the provider either during a face-to-face appointment or on the ...
What is the ratio of patients with non-cancer pain or pain-related diagnoses who receive opioid prescriptions in office-based settings?
Approximately one in five
[ "Chronic pain is among the most common, costly, and disabling chronic medical conditions in the U.S. In the U.S., approximately 100 million adults experience chronic pain, and pain is associated with approximately 20% of ambulatory primary care and specialty visits. Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, the propor...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "231" ]
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[ "From 2000 through 2010, the proportion of pain visits during which opioid and non-opioid pharmacologic therapies were prescribed increased from 11.3% to 19.6% and from 26% to 29%, respectively. In 2012, for every 100 persons in the United States (U.S.), 82.5 opioid prescriptions and 37.6 benzodiazepine prescriptio...
What does increase the risk of fatal or non-fatal opioid overdose 2-10 fold across opioid dose ranges?
Concurrent prescribing of sedative-hypnotics and benzodiazepines
[ "Subgroups at higher risk: Risk of prescription opioid overdose is elevated across MEDD dosage levels in patients with co-occurring depression (moderate quality evidence).[66,133] Following an elevated baseline adjusted risk ratio (ARR) of 3.96, depressed patients taking 1-19 mg, 20 to <50 mg, 50 to <100 mg, and ≥1...
cpgqa
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[ "There is moderate quality evidence from retrospective cohort and retrospective case-control studies indicating that risk of prescription opioid overdose and overdose death exists even at low opioid dosage levels and increases with increasing doses. Significant risk (approximately 1.5 times) exists at a daily dosa...
What is necessary to more accurately determine how long it takes for OUD to occur and whether the nature of the pain is one of the factors that can influence either of this phenomena?
Research
[ "Patients should be informed that progression from acute to long-term OT is associated with little evidence for sustained analgesic efficacy but a substantial increase in risk for OUD. Providers should discuss this information with patients at initiation of OT and continuously thereafter to ensure that the patient...
cpgqa
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[ "233" ]
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[ "Ensure screening and treatment is offered for conditions that can complicate pain management before initiating an opioid taper. Conditions that can complicate pain management are mental health disorders, OUD and other SUD, moral injury, central sensitization, medical complications, sleep disorders. Mental health d...
What is the stance regarding the use of benzodiazepines for the prevention of PTSD?
recommends against
[ "There is a large variation in patient preference regarding the concurrent use of benzodiazepines and LOT. This is especially true for patients who are already accustomed to receiving both medications (see Patient Focus Group Methods and Findings). Concurrent benzodiazepine and LOT use is a serious risk factor fo...
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[ "234" ]
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[ "Harms may outweigh benefits for the concurrent use of benzodiazepines and LOT. There is moderate quality evidence that concurrent use of benzodiazepines with prescription opioids increases the risk of overdose and overdose death.[66] In a retrospective cohort study, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for drug overdos...
On what kind of evidence should the providers who suspect diversion base treatment plans?
objective
[ "Evidence for or history of diversion of controlled substances: The clinician should communicate to patients that drug diversion is a crime and constitutes an absolute contraindication to prescribing additional medications. Because suspicion is subjective and may be based on impression, bias, or prejudice, it is im...
cpgqa
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[ "235" ]
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[ "At follow-up visits, a clinician should re-examine the rationale for continuing the patient on OT. Clinicians should take into account changes in co-occurring conditions, diagnoses/medications, and functional status when conducting the risk/benefit analysis for LOT. Alcohol use, pregnancy, nursing of infants, and ...
What is accompanied by an increased rate of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis infection?
Illicit use of injectable opioids
[ "Community-based Needle Exchange Programs or Syringe Service Programs: Nearly 80% of new users of injectable opioids had previously used prescription oral opioid pain medication.[118,119] Illicit use of injectable opioids is accompanied by an increased rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis infect...
cpgqa
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true
[ "236" ]
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[ "Concurrent with the increase in prescription opioid use, the rate of heroin overdose deaths increased nearly four-fold between 2000 and 2013. According to a survey of patients entering SUD treatment for heroin use, the prescription opioid epidemic has resulted in a marked shift in how and which opioids are abus...
Which tapers can be completed over several months to years?
Slower, more gradual tapers
[ "When formulating an opioid taper plan, determine if the initial goal is a dose reduction or complete discontinuation. If the initial goal is determined to be a dose reduction, subsequent regular reassessment may indicate that complete discontinuation is more suitable. Several factors go into the speed of the selec...
cpgqa
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[ "237" ]
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[ "Follow-up for tapering should be done with PACT Team. Follow-up for tapering is recommended to be a team function with various team members taking on roles in which they have demonstrated specific competencies. Mental health practitioners may need to be included in the follow-up plan. During the slowest taper, fol...
Slower, more gradual tapers can be completed over several months to years based on what?
the opioid dose
[ "When formulating an opioid taper plan, determine if the initial goal is a dose reduction or complete discontinuation. If the initial goal is determined to be a dose reduction, subsequent regular reassessment may indicate that complete discontinuation is more suitable. Several factors go into the speed of the selec...
cpgqa
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[ "238" ]
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[ "Slowest taper is done over years. In the slowest taper, reduce opioid by 2 to 10% every 4 to 8 weeks with pauses in taper as needed. Consider the slowest taper for patients taking high doses of long-acting opioids for many years. An example of the slowest taper is given below. During the first month in the slowest...
When was the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) Evidence-Based Practice Work Group (EBPWG) was established and first chartered?
2004
[ "The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) Evidence-Based Practice Work Group (EBPWG) was established and first chartered in 2004, with a mission to advise the “…Health Executive Council on the use of clinical and epidemiological evidence to improve the health of the population across ...
cpgqa
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[ "239" ]
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[ "The current document is an update to the 2010 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain. The methodology used in developing the 2017 CPG follows the VA/DoD Guideline for Guidelines,[1] an internal document of the VA and DoD EBPWG. The VA/DoD Guideline for Guideline...
Which opioid delivery for opioids has significant potential for harm from OT?
either transdermal or buccal
[ "Although some patients may prefer either transdermal or buccal opioid delivery for opioids, there is significant potential for harm from OT with these delivery mechanisms, with no evidence of benefit over traditional opioid delivery systems in patients with chronic pain. Clinicians need to be especially aware of...
cpgqa
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[ "240" ]
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[ "Conditions that significantly increase the risk of adverse outcomes from LOT are Duration and dose of OT, Severe respiratory instability or sleep disordered breathing, Acute psychiatric instability or intermediate to high acute suicide risk, Mental health disorders, History of drug overdose, Under 30 years of age,...
How much does the risk increase at a range of 50 to <100 mg MEDD compared to risk at <20 mg MEDD?
approximately 2.6 times
[ "There is moderate quality evidence from retrospective cohort and retrospective case-control studies indicating that risk of prescription opioid overdose and overdose death exists even at low opioid dosage levels and increases with increasing doses. Significant risk (approximately 1.5 times) exists at a daily dosa...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "241" ]
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[ "Subgroups at higher risk: Risk of prescription opioid overdose is elevated across MEDD dosage levels in patients with co-occurring depression (moderate quality evidence).[66,133] Following an elevated baseline adjusted risk ratio (ARR) of 3.96, depressed patients taking 1-19 mg, 20 to <50 mg, 50 to <100 mg, and ≥1...
What to do if there is an indication to taper to reduced dose or taper to discontinuation?
repeat comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment. Then see if the patient demonstrates signs or symptoms of SUD.
[ "Module C is on tapering or discontinuation of opioid therapy. If there is indication to taper to reduced dose or taper to discontinuation, repeat comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment. Then see if the patient demonstrates signs or symptoms of SUD. If the patient demonstrates signs or symptoms of SUD, then see w...
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[ "242" ]
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[ "When formulating an opioid taper plan, determine if the initial goal is a dose reduction or complete discontinuation. If the initial goal is determined to be a dose reduction, subsequent regular reassessment may indicate that complete discontinuation is more suitable. Several factors go into the speed of the selec...
Compared to whom, patients 31-40 years old carried 5 times the odds of OUD and overdose?
those ≥65 years old
[ "The added risk that younger patients using opioids face for OUD and overdose is great. Edlund et al. (2014) found that, compared to patients ≥65 years old, patients 18-30 years old carried 11 times the odds of OUD and overdose. Patients 31-40 years old carried 5 times the odds of OUD and overdose compared to tho...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "243" ]
true
[ "All patients who take opioids chronically are at risk for OUD and overdose, but especially those who are younger than 30 years of age. Seven studies were identified that examined age as a predictor of OUD, respiratory/CNS depression, and/or overdose. Four of the seven studies were rated as fair quality evidence...
What is necessary to more accurately determine how long it takes for OUD to occur?
Research
[ "Patients should be informed that progression from acute to long-term OT is associated with little evidence for sustained analgesic efficacy but a substantial increase in risk for OUD. Providers should discuss this information with patients at initiation of OT and continuously thereafter to ensure that the patient...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "244" ]
true
[ "Moderate quality evidence demonstrates that the prevalence of OUD in patients with CNCP is related to duration of opioid use as well as dose (see Recommendations 7-9).[86-88] There are two studies of patients with CNCP which support the current recommendations. Edlund et al. (2014) conducted a large retrospectiv...
Prior to any changes being made in opioid prescribing, a discussion should occur between whom?
the Veteran, family members/caregivers, and the provider
[ "When a decision is made to taper, special attention must be given to ensure that the Veteran does not feel abandoned. Prior to any changes being made in opioid prescribing, a discussion should occur between the Veteran, family members/caregivers, and the provider either during a face-to-face appointment or on the ...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "245" ]
true
[ "Opioids are not first-line or routine therapy for chronic pain. Establish treatment goals before starting opioid therapy and a plan if therapy is discontinued. Only continue opioid if there is clinically meaningful improvement in pain and function. Discuss risks, benefits and responsibilities for managing therapy ...
What does opioid agonist treatment involve?
taking opioid agonist medications such as buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) or methadone
[ "Use a shared decision-making approach to discuss options for OUD treatment. Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) is the first-line treatment for OUD. The preferred OUD treatment is Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT). Opioid agonist treatment involves taking opioid agonist medications such as buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxon...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "246" ]
true
[ "There are situations in which opioids may be necessary therapy for acute pain, even when substantial risk factors exist. It is important to incorporate opioid risk mitigation strategies into opioid prescribing for acute pain. These strategies should include patient education, use of non-opioid adjunctive therapy...
When reducing 33% of morphine SR 90 mg Q8h = 270 MEDD on day 1, what dose should be taken on day eleven of the rapid opioid tapering?
15 mg SR QHS
[ "Rapid Taper is done over days. Rapid tapers can cause withdrawal effects and patients should be treated with adjunctive medications to minimize these effects; may need to consider admitting the patient for inpatient care. If patients are prescribed both long-acting and short-acting opioids, the decision about whic...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "247" ]
true
[ "Faster Taper is done over weeks. In faster taper, reduce opioid by 10 to 20% every week. An example of the faster taper is given below. During the first week in the faster taper, 16% reduction of morphine SR 90 mg Q8h = 270 MEDD consists of 75 mg SR Q8h. The subsequent weekly dosage for the faster taper is 60 mg ...
What does pain assessment include?
history, physical exam, comorbidities, previous treatment and medications, duration of symptoms, onset and triggers
[ "The components of biopsychosocial assessment are pain assessment, patient functional goals, impact of pain on family, work, life, review of previous diagnostic studies, additional consultations and referrals, coexisting illness and treatments and effect on pain, significant psychological, social, or behavioral fac...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "248" ]
true
[ "A comprehensive pain assessment includes a biopsychosocial interview and focused physical exam. Elements of the biopsychosocial pain interview include a pain-related history, assessment of pertinent medical and psychiatric comorbidities including personal and family history of SUD, functional status and function...
What is needed to ascertain whether said formulations differ across clinical outcomes such as pain, function, and adverse events?
Future research
[ "Future research is needed to ascertain whether abuse deterrent formulations actually reduce OUD when used for chronic pain, and whether said formulations differ across clinical outcomes such as pain, function, and adverse events. " ]
cpgqa
en
true
[ "249" ]
true
[ "There was insufficient evidence to recommend for or against any specific opioid or opioid formulation, specifically the following: Short-acting versus long-acting opioids (for LOT for chronic pain), Route of administration/delivery among alternatives such as transdermal, buccal, sublingual, or pumps, Abuse deter...
Is there any evidence that suggests an association with prescribed opioid dose and suicide risk among Veterans receiving OT for CNCP?
A recent large retrospective cohort study
[ "A number of studies suggest certain chronic pain conditions represent an independent risk factor for suicide.[123-130] A recent large retrospective cohort study also suggests an association with prescribed opioid dose and suicide risk among Veterans receiving OT for CNCP.[131] Suicide risk is not static, and many ...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "250" ]
true
[ "There is concern for additional overdose risk associated with long-acting versus short-acting opioids. A study (not included in the evidence review due to its design) suggests increased risk for non-fatal overdose in VA patients with initiation of a long-acting opioid compared with immediate-release opioids.[137...
Who can have potential adverse outcomes with the combined use of antidepressants and opioids?
patients who do not have depression
[ "In addition to benzodiazepines, the addition of other psychoactive medications to LOT must be made with caution. While the evidence for harm associated with the combination of opioids and Z-drugs (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone) is not as strong as the evidence for harm associated with the combination of opioids a...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "251" ]
true
[ "Medical comorbidities that can increase risk are lung disease, sleep apnea, liver disease, renal disease, fall risk, advanced age. Consider tapering opioids when there is concomitant use of medications that increase risk (e.g., benzodiazepines). Mental health comorbidities that can worsen with opioid therapy are P...
Name a sleep disorder.
Sleep apnea
[ "Use a shared decision-making approach to discuss options for OUD treatment. Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) is the first-line treatment for OUD. The preferred OUD treatment is Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT). Opioid agonist treatment involves taking opioid agonist medications such as buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxon...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "252" ]
true
[ "Duration and dose of OT: See Recommendation 2 for more guidance on duration of OT and Recommendations 10-12 for more guidance on dosing of OT. Severe respiratory instability or sleep disordered breathing: This would include any co-occurring condition that significantly affects respiratory rate or function such as ...
In a study of Veterans with chronic pain who had been on opioids for at least 90 days, how many continued to use opioids one year later?
over 90%
[ "From fiscal years 2004 to 2012, the prevalence of opioid prescriptions among Veterans increased from 18.9% to 33.4%, an increase of 76.7%. The groups with the highest prevalence of opioid use were women and young adults (i.e., 18-34 years old). In a sample of non-treatment-seeking members of the military who were...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "253" ]
true
[ "Chronic pain is among the most common, costly, and disabling chronic medical conditions in the U.S. In the U.S., approximately 100 million adults experience chronic pain, and pain is associated with approximately 20% of ambulatory primary care and specialty visits. Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, the propor...
Who will have greater mortality, co-occurring medical conditions, and other adverse events?
patients who require higher doses of opioids, even in those who benefit from such therapy
[ "Recognizing the lack of evidence of long-term benefit associated with LOT used alone and the risks of harms with use of opioids without risk mitigation, dosing determinations should be individualized based upon patient characteristics and preferences, with the goal of using the lowest dose of opioids for the sh...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "254" ]
true
[ "Conditions that significantly increase the risk of adverse outcomes from LOT are Duration and dose of OT, Severe respiratory instability or sleep disordered breathing, Acute psychiatric instability or intermediate to high acute suicide risk, Mental health disorders, History of drug overdose, Under 30 years of age,...
What is MEDD?
morphine equivalent daily dose
[ "Necessary risk mitigation strategies are OEND, UDT, PDMP, face-to-face follow-up with frequency determined by risk. Indications for tapering and discontinuation are as follows: risks of OT outweigh benefits, patient preference, diversion. Risks of opioid therapy outweigh benefits under the following circumstances:...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "255" ]
true
[ "Future Research: Future research is needed to better determine the impact of systematic reductions in MEDD in terms of pain relief, specific pain and medical conditions, overdose morbidity and mortality as well as potential adverse outcomes (e.g., the incidence of associated OUD, infectious diseases related to i...
What are the treatment options for nausea?
prochlorperazine 5 to 10 mg every 4 hours as needed, promethazine 25 mg orally or rectally every 6 hours as needed, ondansetron 4 mg every 6 hours as needed
[ "The treatment options for nausea are prochlorperazine 5 to 10 mg every 4 hours as needed, promethazine 25 mg orally or rectally every 6 hours as needed, ondansetron 4 mg every 6 hours as needed. The treatment option for abdominal cramping is dicyclomine 20 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed. The treatment options for...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "256" ]
true
[ "The treatment options for anxiety, dysphoria, lacrimation, and rhinorrhea are hydroxyzine 25 to 50 mg three times a day as needed, diphenhydramine 25 mg every 6 hours as needed. Avoid diphenhydramine for Veterans older than 65 years. The treatment options for myalgias are NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen 375 to 500 mg twice...
Who may have decompensation during the taper?
A Veteran with high risk due to a medical condition
[ "Follow-up for tapering should be done with PACT Team. Follow-up for tapering is recommended to be a team function with various team members taking on roles in which they have demonstrated specific competencies. Mental health practitioners may need to be included in the follow-up plan. During the slowest taper, fol...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "257" ]
true
[ "When safety allows, a gradual taper rate (5-10% reduction every 4 weeks) allows time for neurobiological, psychological, and behavioral adaptations. When there are concerns regarding risks of tapering (e.g., unmasked OUD, exacerbation of underlying mental health conditions), consider interdisciplinary services tha...
Which tapers may be required in certain instances like drug diversion, illegal activities, or situations where the risks of continuing the opioid outweigh the risks of a rapid taper?
More rapid tapers
[ "When formulating an opioid taper plan, determine if the initial goal is a dose reduction or complete discontinuation. If the initial goal is determined to be a dose reduction, subsequent regular reassessment may indicate that complete discontinuation is more suitable. Several factors go into the speed of the selec...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "258" ]
true
[ "We recommend tapering to reduced dose or to discontinuation of long-term opioid therapy when risks of long-term opioid therapy outweigh benefits. Note: Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided unless required for immediate safety concerns. We recommend individualizing opioid tapering based on risk assessment and p...
What is the treatment option for sleep disturbance?
Trazodone 25 to 300 mg orally at bedtime
[ "The treatment options for anxiety, dysphoria, lacrimation, and rhinorrhea are hydroxyzine 25 to 50 mg three times a day as needed, diphenhydramine 25 mg every 6 hours as needed. Avoid diphenhydramine for Veterans older than 65 years. The treatment options for myalgias are NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen 375 to 500 mg twice...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "259" ]
true
[ "Use a shared decision-making approach to discuss options for OUD treatment. Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) is the first-line treatment for OUD. The preferred OUD treatment is Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT). Opioid agonist treatment involves taking opioid agonist medications such as buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxon...
What is the aim of the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain?
assist primary care providers in offering safe and effective treatment for patients with chronic pain in the outpatient setting (not including active cancer treatment, palliative care, or end-of-life care). It is also aimed at improving communication between providers and patients and decreasing adverse outcomes associ...
[ "The CDC released its Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, directed toward primary care physicians, on March 15, 2016. The aim of the guideline is to assist primary care providers in offering safe and effective treatment for patients with chronic pain in the outpatient setting (not including active c...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "260" ]
true
[ "Consequently, a recommendation to update the 2010 OT CPG was initiated in 2015. The updated CPG, titled Clinical Practice Guideline for Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain (OT CPG), includes objective, evidence-based information on the management of chronic pain. It is intended to assist healthcare providers in all as...
What is the purpose of Opioid Taper Decision Tool?
assist Primary Care providers in determining if an opioid taper is necessary for a specific patient, in performing the taper, and in providing follow-up and support during the taper
[ "The Opioid Taper Decision Tool is designed to assist Primary Care providers in determining if an opioid taper is necessary for a specific patient, in performing the taper, and in providing follow-up and support during the taper." ]
cpgqa
en
true
[ "261" ]
true
[ "When formulating an opioid taper plan, determine if the initial goal is a dose reduction or complete discontinuation. If the initial goal is determined to be a dose reduction, subsequent regular reassessment may indicate that complete discontinuation is more suitable. Several factors go into the speed of the selec...
What should all patients in the healthcare system be offered?
access to evidence-based interventions appropriate to that patient
[ "VA/DoD CPGs encourage clinicians to use a patient-centered care approach that is tailored to the patient’s capabilities, needs, goals, prior treatment experience, and preferences. Regardless of setting, all patients in the healthcare system should be offered access to evidence-based interventions appropriate to ...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "262" ]
true
[ "While these guidelines are broadly recommended, their implementation is intended to be patient centered. Thus, treatment and care should take into account a patient’s needs and preferences. Good communication between healthcare professionals and the patient about the patient’s pain experience, treatment goals, a...
When reducing 5% of morphine SR 90 mg Q8h = 270 MEDD, what dose should be taken on month seven of the slowest opioid tapering?
60 mg SR qam, 45 mg noon, 60 mg qpm
[ "Slowest taper is done over years. In the slowest taper, reduce opioid by 2 to 10% every 4 to 8 weeks with pauses in taper as needed. Consider the slowest taper for patients taking high doses of long-acting opioids for many years. An example of the slowest taper is given below. During the first month in the slowest...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "263" ]
true
[ "Slower Taper is done over months or years. In the slower taper, reduce opioid by 5 to 20% every 4 weeks with pauses in taper as needed. Slower taper is the most common taper. An example of the slower taper is given below. During the first month in the slower taper, 16% opioid reduction of morphine SR 90 mg Q8h = ...
Which opioid risk mitigation strategies should be incorporateed into opioid prescribing for acute pain?
patient education, use of non-opioid adjunctive therapy, and structured reassessment of opioid risks and benefits for all on acute OT. Also, consider checking the PDMP and performing a UDT.
[ "There are situations in which opioids may be necessary therapy for acute pain, even when substantial risk factors exist. It is important to incorporate opioid risk mitigation strategies into opioid prescribing for acute pain. These strategies should include patient education, use of non-opioid adjunctive therapy...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "264" ]
true
[ "We recommend implementing risk mitigation strategies upon initiation of long-term opioid therapy, starting with an informed consent conversation covering the risks and benefits of opioid therapy as well as alternative therapies. The strategies and their frequency should be commensurate with risk factors and inc...
In comparison to patients in the 20-44 age group, patients in the 45-64 year age group were significantly less likely to have what?
an aberrant UDT (detection of a non-prescribed opioid, non-prescribed benzodiazepine, illicit drug, or tetrahydrocannabinol [THC])
[ "Younger patients are also at a higher risk of opioid misuse (as suggested by a UDT indicating high-risk medication-related behavior). Turner et al. (2014) showed that patients in the 45-64 year age group were significantly less likely to have an aberrant UDT (detection of a non-prescribed opioid, non-prescribed ...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "265" ]
true
[ "The added risk that younger patients using opioids face for OUD and overdose is great. Edlund et al. (2014) found that, compared to patients ≥65 years old, patients 18-30 years old carried 11 times the odds of OUD and overdose. Patients 31-40 years old carried 5 times the odds of OUD and overdose compared to tho...
What must VHA providers follow when providing LOT for patients with non-cancer pain?
VHA policy regarding education and signature informed consent
[ "Implementing more extensive risk mitigation strategies entails an investment of resources. Primary care providers may require more time with patients to allow for shared decision making and treatment planning. More frequent follow-up of patients on LOT can affect access to care for all empaneled patients. VHA pr...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "266" ]
true
[ "This OT CPG is designed to assist healthcare providers in managing or co-managing patients on or being considered for LOT. Specifically, this CPG is intended for adults, including Veterans as well as deployed and non-deployed Active Duty Service Members, their beneficiaries, and retirees and their beneficiaries,...
What is PHI?
Personal Health Inventory
[ "When a decision is made to taper, special attention must be given to ensure that the Veteran does not feel abandoned. Prior to any changes being made in opioid prescribing, a discussion should occur between the Veteran, family members/caregivers, and the provider either during a face-to-face appointment or on the ...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "267" ]
true
[ "Educate the Veteran by using Bio-Psycho-Social Model e.g., PHI’s “Whole Health” approach. Offer Veterans pain education groups [especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Pain, if available]. Clinicians should offer physical therapy and Complementary and Integrativ...
What is an example of medication that can increase risk during opioid therapy, if used concomitantly?
benzodiazepines
[ "Medical comorbidities that can increase risk are lung disease, sleep apnea, liver disease, renal disease, fall risk, advanced age. Consider tapering opioids when there is concomitant use of medications that increase risk (e.g., benzodiazepines). Mental health comorbidities that can worsen with opioid therapy are P...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "268" ]
true
[ "Subgroups at higher risk: Risk of prescription opioid overdose is elevated across MEDD dosage levels in patients with co-occurring depression (moderate quality evidence).[66,133] Following an elevated baseline adjusted risk ratio (ARR) of 3.96, depressed patients taking 1-19 mg, 20 to <50 mg, 50 to <100 mg, and ≥1...
What does place patients at elevated risk for opioid overdose?
opioids taken PRN (as needed) for chronic cancer pain versus regularly scheduled doses, or simultaneous PRN plus regularly scheduled
[ "There is moderate quality evidence to support that opioids taken PRN (as needed) for chronic cancer pain versus regularly scheduled doses, or simultaneous PRN plus regularly scheduled, places patients at elevated risk for opioid overdose (HR: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.31-5.78 for as needed; HR: 1.00 for regularly scheduled...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "269" ]
true
[ "Subgroups at higher risk: Risk of prescription opioid overdose is elevated across MEDD dosage levels in patients with co-occurring depression (moderate quality evidence).[66,133] Following an elevated baseline adjusted risk ratio (ARR) of 3.96, depressed patients taking 1-19 mg, 20 to <50 mg, 50 to <100 mg, and ≥1...
What to do after educating the patient?
identify if there is presence of prescribed opioid dose>90 mg MEDD or combined sedating medication that increases risk of adverse events (e.g., benzodiazepine) or patient non-participation in a comprehensive pain care plan or other indications for tapering
[ "Module D is for patients currently on opioid therapy. For patients currently on OT, look for factors that would require immediate attention and possible discontinuation of OT due to unacceptable risk. If there are factors that would require immediate attention, then admit/provide treatment to stabilize, including ...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "270" ]
true
[ "Educate the Veteran by using Bio-Psycho-Social Model e.g., PHI’s “Whole Health” approach. Offer Veterans pain education groups [especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Pain, if available]. Clinicians should offer physical therapy and Complementary and Integrativ...
What is the estimation of the lifetime prevalence for moderate symptoms of OUD among patients receiving long-term opioid therapy?
10%
[ "Ensure screening and treatment is offered for conditions that can complicate pain management before initiating an opioid taper. Conditions that can complicate pain management are mental health disorders, OUD and other SUD, moral injury, central sensitization, medical complications, sleep disorders. Mental health d...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "271" ]
true
[ "Moderate quality evidence demonstrates that the prevalence of OUD in patients with CNCP is related to duration of opioid use as well as dose (see Recommendations 7-9).[86-88] There are two studies of patients with CNCP which support the current recommendations. Edlund et al. (2014) conducted a large retrospectiv...
What do prolonged symptoms include?
irritability, fatigue, bradycardia, decreased body temperature, craving, insomnia
[ "Short-term oral medications can be utilized to assist with managing the withdrawal symptoms, especially when prescribing fast tapers. Do not treat withdrawal symptoms with an opioid or benzodiazepine. Withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening and may not be seen with a gradual taper. Early symptoms take hours t...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "272" ]
true
[ "Patients should be informed that progression from acute to long-term OT is associated with little evidence for sustained analgesic efficacy but a substantial increase in risk for OUD. Providers should discuss this information with patients at initiation of OT and continuously thereafter to ensure that the patient...
What to do when there are concerns regarding risks of tapering?
consider interdisciplinary services that may include mental health, SUD, primary care, and specialty pain care
[ "When safety allows, a gradual taper rate (5-10% reduction every 4 weeks) allows time for neurobiological, psychological, and behavioral adaptations. When there are concerns regarding risks of tapering (e.g., unmasked OUD, exacerbation of underlying mental health conditions), consider interdisciplinary services tha...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "273" ]
true
[ "We recommend tapering to reduced dose or to discontinuation of long-term opioid therapy when risks of long-term opioid therapy outweigh benefits. Note: Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided unless required for immediate safety concerns. We recommend individualizing opioid tapering based on risk assessment and p...
When reducing 5% of morphine SR 90 mg Q8h = 270 MEDD, what dose should be taken on month eight of the slowest opioid tapering?
45 mg SR qam, 45 mg noon, 60 mg qpm
[ "Slowest taper is done over years. In the slowest taper, reduce opioid by 2 to 10% every 4 to 8 weeks with pauses in taper as needed. Consider the slowest taper for patients taking high doses of long-acting opioids for many years. An example of the slowest taper is given below. During the first month in the slowest...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "274" ]
true
[ "Slower Taper is done over months or years. In the slower taper, reduce opioid by 5 to 20% every 4 weeks with pauses in taper as needed. Slower taper is the most common taper. An example of the slower taper is given below. During the first month in the slower taper, 16% opioid reduction of morphine SR 90 mg Q8h = ...
What does the GRADE system include?
assessment of the quality of the evidence and consideration of the balance of desirable and undesirable outcomes, patient values and preferences, and other considerations (e.g., resource use, equity) during recommendation development
[ "The CDC released its Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, directed toward primary care physicians, on March 15, 2016. The aim of the guideline is to assist primary care providers in offering safe and effective treatment for patients with chronic pain in the outpatient setting (not including active c...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "275" ]
true
[ "The following recommendations were made using a systematic approach considering four domains as per the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. These domains include: confidence in the quality of the evidence, balance of desirable and undesirable outcomes (i.e., benefits...
What to do if there are no factors requiring immediate attention?
obtain a biopsychosocial assessment
[ "Module D is for patients currently on opioid therapy. For patients currently on OT, look for factors that would require immediate attention and possible discontinuation of OT due to unacceptable risk. If there are factors that would require immediate attention, then admit/provide treatment to stabilize, including ...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "276" ]
true
[ "When considering an opioid taper, monitor for conditions that may warrant evaluation and arrange primary care and/or emergency department follow-up when indicated. If a patient is taking more than their prescribed dosage of opioids or showing signs of aberrant behavior, before deciding to change therapy, look for ...
What does require re-evaluation and discussion with patient of risks and benefits?
Consideration of opioid therapy beyond 90 days
[ "If prescribing opioid therapy for patients with chronic pain, we recommend a short duration. (Strong for| Reviewed, New-replaced) Note: Consideration of opioid therapy beyond 90 days requires re-evaluation and discussion with patient of risks and benefits. For patients currently on long-term opioid therapy, we rec...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "277" ]
true
[ "At follow-up visits, a clinician should re-examine the rationale for continuing the patient on OT. Clinicians should take into account changes in co-occurring conditions, diagnoses/medications, and functional status when conducting the risk/benefit analysis for LOT. Alcohol use, pregnancy, nursing of infants, and ...
How long does it take for early withdrawal symptoms to appear?
hours to days
[ "Short-term oral medications can be utilized to assist with managing the withdrawal symptoms, especially when prescribing fast tapers. Do not treat withdrawal symptoms with an opioid or benzodiazepine. Withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening and may not be seen with a gradual taper. Early symptoms take hours t...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "278" ]
true
[ "Consider use of adjuvant medications during the taper to reduce withdrawal symptoms. The first-line treatment option for autonomic symptoms such as sweating, tachycardia, myoclonus is clonidine 0.1 to 0.2 mg oral every 6 to 8 hours; hold dose if blood pressure <90/60 mmHg (0.1 to 0.2 mg 2 to 4 times daily is commo...
How long does it take to complete slower tapers?
several months to years
[ "When formulating an opioid taper plan, determine if the initial goal is a dose reduction or complete discontinuation. If the initial goal is determined to be a dose reduction, subsequent regular reassessment may indicate that complete discontinuation is more suitable. Several factors go into the speed of the selec...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "279" ]
true
[ "Slowest taper is done over years. In the slowest taper, reduce opioid by 2 to 10% every 4 to 8 weeks with pauses in taper as needed. Consider the slowest taper for patients taking high doses of long-acting opioids for many years. An example of the slowest taper is given below. During the first month in the slowest...
What is the aim of CARA?
addressing the epidemic of overdoses from prescription opioids and other prescription drugs and heroin
[ "On July 22, 2016, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) was enacted with the aim of addressing the epidemic of overdoses from prescription opioids and other prescription drugs and heroin. While this act was primarily focused on opioid abuse treatment and prevention, it also gave specific instruction ...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "280" ]
true
[ "With the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in March 2010, the Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee was created to coordinate pain research efforts throughout federal government agencies. The Committee was tasked with summarizing advances in pain care research, identif...
What are used throughout the country for detection of multi-sourcing of controlled substances?
State database queries
[ "State database queries for detection of multi-sourcing of controlled substances are used throughout the country. Data comparing states with an implemented state database program to states without one showed 1.55 fewer deaths per 100,000 people.[106] The CDC currently recommends at least quarterly checks of the ...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "281" ]
true
[ "As substance misuse in patients on LOT is more than 30% in some series,[107] UDT and confirmatory testing is used as an additional method of examining for patient substance misuse and adherence to the prescribed regimen. UDTs, used in the appropriate way, help to address safety, fairness, and trust with OT. Ava...
What does increase the AOR of overdose?
the combination of zolpidem and opioids
[ "In addition to benzodiazepines, the addition of other psychoactive medications to LOT must be made with caution. While the evidence for harm associated with the combination of opioids and Z-drugs (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone) is not as strong as the evidence for harm associated with the combination of opioids a...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "282" ]
true
[ "Subgroups at higher risk: Risk of prescription opioid overdose is elevated across MEDD dosage levels in patients with co-occurring depression (moderate quality evidence).[66,133] Following an elevated baseline adjusted risk ratio (ARR) of 3.96, depressed patients taking 1-19 mg, 20 to <50 mg, 50 to <100 mg, and ≥1...
How do the risks for opioid use disorder increase?
in a dose dependent manner
[ "As opioid dosage and risk increase, we recommend more frequent monitoring for adverse events including opioid use disorder and overdose. Note: Risks for opioid use disorder start at any dose and increase in a dose dependent manner. Risks for overdose and death significantly increase at a range of 20- 50 mg morphin...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "283" ]
true
[ "In addition, the risk of overdose includes the use of opioids for acute pain. Factors that increase overdose risk when opioids are used for acute pain include high prescribed dose, history of SUD, and history of mental health concerns. While the risk of overdose increases at doses above 20 mg MEDD or greater, th...
What was the tasks of Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee?
summarizing advances in pain care research, identifying gaps in research, and developing recommendations regarding ways to minimize duplicative efforts, disseminate pain care information, and expand public/private research partnerships and collaborations
[ "With the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in March 2010, the Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee was created to coordinate pain research efforts throughout federal government agencies. The Committee was tasked with summarizing advances in pain care research, identif...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "284" ]
true
[ "In 2011, in response to the recognition of pain and its management as a public health problem, the National Academy of Medicine investigated and reported on the state of pain research, treatment, and education in the U.S. The report called for a cultural transformation in the way pain is viewed and treated.[3] ...
What does help mitigate the risk of suicide among patients on LOT?
intensification of monitoring
[ "There is moderate quality evidence that intensification of monitoring helps mitigate the risk of suicide among patients on LOT. Im et al. (2015) found moderate quality evidence that, at the facility level, patients on LOT within facilities ordering more drug screens than the comparison group were associated with d...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "285" ]
true
[ "Some patients on LOT who suffer from chronic pain and co-occurring OUD, depression, and/or personality disorders may threaten suicide when providers recommend discontinuation of opioids. However, continuing LOT to “prevent suicide” in someone with chronic pain is not recommended as an appropriate response if suic...
Name the treatment settings in which MAT can be provided.
residential SUD treatment, intensive outpatient SUD treatment, regular SUD specialty care clinic, primary care or general mental health clinic, or federally regulated opioid treatment program
[ "Use a shared decision-making approach to discuss options for OUD treatment. Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) is the first-line treatment for OUD. The preferred OUD treatment is Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT). Opioid agonist treatment involves taking opioid agonist medications such as buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxon...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "286" ]
true
[ "Offer risk mitigation strategies, including naloxone for patients at risk for overdose. Review PDMP (Prescription Drug Monitoring Program) data at least every 3 months and perform UDT (Urine Drug Testing) at least annually. Avoid prescribing opioid and benzodiazepines concurrently when possible. Clinicians should...
What to recommend for patients less than 30 years of age currently on long-term opioid therapy?
close monitoring and consideration for tapering when risks exceed benefits
[ "We recommend against the concurrent use of benzodiazepines and opioids. Note: For patients currently on long-term opioid therapy and benzodiazepines, consider tapering one or both when risks exceed benefits and obtaining specialty consultation as appropriate. We recommend against long-term opioid therapy for patie...
cpgqa
en
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[ "287" ]
true
[ "a) We recommend against long-term opioid therapy for patients less than 30 years of age secondary to higher risk of opioid use disorder and overdose. (Strong against) b) For patients less than 30 years of age currently on long-term opioid therapy, we recommend close monitoring and consideration for tapering when...
What to do when there is no improvement in function?
Re-evaluate the risks and benefits of continuing opioid therapy
[ "Opioids are associated with many risks and it may be determined that they are not indicated for pain management for a particular Veteran. Re-evaluate the risks and benefits of continuing opioid therapy when there is no pain reduction, no improvement in function or patient requests to discontinue therapy, severe un...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "288" ]
true
[ "As outlined in this CPG, there is a rapidly growing understanding of the significant harms of LOT even at doses lower than 50 mg oral morphine equivalent daily dose [MEDD], including but not limited to overdose and OUD. At the same time there is a lack of high quality evidence that LOT improves pain, function, ...
What can be used to convey openness to discuss any future concerns?
Improved patient-clinician communication through patient-centered care
[ "VA/DoD CPGs encourage clinicians to use a patient-centered care approach that is tailored to the patient’s capabilities, needs, goals, prior treatment experience, and preferences. Regardless of setting, all patients in the healthcare system should be offered access to evidence-based interventions appropriate to ...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "289" ]
true
[ "While these guidelines are broadly recommended, their implementation is intended to be patient centered. Thus, treatment and care should take into account a patient’s needs and preferences. Good communication between healthcare professionals and the patient about the patient’s pain experience, treatment goals, a...
Is there any evidence that risk of prescription opioid overdose and overdose death exists even at low opioid dosage levels and increases with increasing doses?
There is moderate quality evidence from retrospective cohort and retrospective case-control studies
[ "There is moderate quality evidence from retrospective cohort and retrospective case-control studies indicating that risk of prescription opioid overdose and overdose death exists even at low opioid dosage levels and increases with increasing doses. Significant risk (approximately 1.5 times) exists at a daily dosa...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "290" ]
true
[ "In a nested case-control study of U.S. Veterans (not included in our evidence review as it was published after the end of the search date range), Bohnert et al. (2016) examined the association between prescribed opioid dose as a continuous measure (in 10 mg MEDD increments) and overdose.[134] Prescribed opioid do...
How long does it take to lose tolerance?
as little as a week
[ "When formulating an opioid taper plan, determine if the initial goal is a dose reduction or complete discontinuation. If the initial goal is determined to be a dose reduction, subsequent regular reassessment may indicate that complete discontinuation is more suitable. Several factors go into the speed of the selec...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "291" ]
true
[ "Slowest taper is done over years. In the slowest taper, reduce opioid by 2 to 10% every 4 to 8 weeks with pauses in taper as needed. Consider the slowest taper for patients taking high doses of long-acting opioids for many years. An example of the slowest taper is given below. During the first month in the slowest...
When should risk mitigation for LOT begin?
before the opioids are prescribed
[ "Risk mitigation for LOT should begin before the opioids are prescribed, through an informed consent discussion, reviewing the patient’s history, checking state PDMPs, or instructing patients about using drug take back programs to dispose of unused medication. It should also occur concurrently with the therapy (...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "292" ]
true
[ "Similar to other risk factors, age <30 years should be weighed heavily in the risk-benefit determination for initiating LOT. Age <30 years is not an absolute contraindication to LOT. There may be some situations where the benefits of LOT clearly outweigh the risks of OUD and overdose. Hospitalized patients reco...
What evidence is there to recommend psychological over physical therapies or vice versa?
insufficient
[ "Psychological therapies (e.g., cognitive behavioral interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [CBT], biofeedback) have been found to be effective for pain reduction in multiple pain conditions.[80-82] Exercise treatments, including yoga, also have evidence of benefit for reducing pain intensity and disab...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "293" ]
true
[ "Further studies may help determine earlier in the course of treatment which patients are most likely to benefit from a specific non-pharmacologic therapy (physical, psychological, and pain rehabilitation) or non opioid pharmacologic therapies alone or as part of a multimodal approach. ", "In 2011, in response t...
Compared to patients ≥65 years old, patients 31-40 years old carried how many times the odds of OUD and overdose?
5
[ "The added risk that younger patients using opioids face for OUD and overdose is great. Edlund et al. (2014) found that, compared to patients ≥65 years old, patients 18-30 years old carried 11 times the odds of OUD and overdose. Patients 31-40 years old carried 5 times the odds of OUD and overdose compared to tho...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "294" ]
true
[ "All patients who take opioids chronically are at risk for OUD and overdose, but especially those who are younger than 30 years of age. Seven studies were identified that examined age as a predictor of OUD, respiratory/CNS depression, and/or overdose. Four of the seven studies were rated as fair quality evidence...
What can happen with the combined use of antidepressants and opioids in patients who do not have depression?
potential adverse outcomes (e.g., risk of overdose)
[ "In addition to benzodiazepines, the addition of other psychoactive medications to LOT must be made with caution. While the evidence for harm associated with the combination of opioids and Z-drugs (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone) is not as strong as the evidence for harm associated with the combination of opioids a...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "295" ]
true
[ "Achieving an improved understanding of the factors contributing to prescription opioid-related overdose is an essential step toward addressing this epidemic problem. Although it is widely accepted that progressively higher doses of prescribed opioids result in correspondingly higher risks of opioid overdose, pati...
What can be determined more accurately by research?
how long it takes for OUD to occur and whether the nature of the pain is one of the factors that can influence either of this phenomena
[ "Patients should be informed that progression from acute to long-term OT is associated with little evidence for sustained analgesic efficacy but a substantial increase in risk for OUD. Providers should discuss this information with patients at initiation of OT and continuously thereafter to ensure that the patient...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "296" ]
true
[ "Future Research: Future research is needed to better determine the impact of systematic reductions in MEDD in terms of pain relief, specific pain and medical conditions, overdose morbidity and mortality as well as potential adverse outcomes (e.g., the incidence of associated OUD, infectious diseases related to i...
Which tapers may be required in certain instances like drug diversion?
More rapid tapers
[ "When formulating an opioid taper plan, determine if the initial goal is a dose reduction or complete discontinuation. If the initial goal is determined to be a dose reduction, subsequent regular reassessment may indicate that complete discontinuation is more suitable. Several factors go into the speed of the selec...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "297" ]
true
[ "Module C is on tapering or discontinuation of opioid therapy. If there is indication to taper to reduced dose or taper to discontinuation, repeat comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment. Then see if the patient demonstrates signs or symptoms of SUD. If the patient demonstrates signs or symptoms of SUD, then see w...
What should be done prior to any changes being made in opioid prescribing?
a discussion should occur between the Veteran, family members/caregivers, and the provider either during a face-to-face appointment or on the telephone
[ "When a decision is made to taper, special attention must be given to ensure that the Veteran does not feel abandoned. Prior to any changes being made in opioid prescribing, a discussion should occur between the Veteran, family members/caregivers, and the provider either during a face-to-face appointment or on the ...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "298" ]
true
[ "Opioids are not first-line or routine therapy for chronic pain. Establish treatment goals before starting opioid therapy and a plan if therapy is discontinued. Only continue opioid if there is clinically meaningful improvement in pain and function. Discuss risks, benefits and responsibilities for managing therapy ...
What should be commensurate with risk factors?
The strategies and their frequency
[ "We recommend implementing risk mitigation strategies upon initiation of long-term opioid therapy, starting with an informed consent conversation covering the risks and benefits of opioid therapy as well as alternative therapies. The strategies and their frequency should be commensurate with risk factors and includ...
cpgqa
en
true
[ "299" ]
true
[ "The risk factors with the greatest impact on the development of opioid-related adverse events are the duration and dose of opioid analgesic use. Beyond duration and dose of OT, many factors increase the risk of adverse outcomes and must be considered prior to initiating or continuing OT (Box 1). Given the insuffic...