Perils of Pain Meds

In view of the well-documented risks of opioids, careful patient selection and prudent use should be the standard. Pain should not be managed in isolation without an understanding of its roots, just as fever mandates a search for causes. Under-treatment should refer not only to drug therapy, but also to the absence of important non-drug interventions. Hopefully, this approach will reduce inappropriate opioid use as well as associated morbidity and mortality.

Dr. Gelfand is a rheumatologist at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville, Tenn.

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