PAINWeek: Best Practices for Effectively Managing Opioid-Induced Constipation

LAS VEGAS - Aug. 12, 2014 - PRLog -- Click to Register Online

Best Practices for Effectively Managing Opioid-Induced Constipation

Jeffrey A. Gudin, MD (Chair)
Director, Pain Management and Palliative Care
Englewood Hospital and Medical Center
Englewood, New Jersey

Michael J. Brennan, MD
Associate Director, Chronic Pain and Recovery Program
Silver Hill Hospital
New Canaan, Connecticut

Bill H. McCarberg, MD
Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor
University of California, San Diego
San Diego, California

Steven P. Stanos, DO
Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois

Click to Register Online

There has been a significant increase in the chronic use of opioids in the past 15 years with over 200 million prescriptions for opioids in the US annually. With the increased use of opioids, more patients are presenting with opioid-induced constipation (OIC). It is estimated that 40% to 50% of chronic opioid users report constipation. Unlike other opioid-related side effects, OIC is not dose-dependent nor does it resolve over time. Instead, OIC remains a significant burden on patients with chronic pain, leading some patients to stop taking their opioid. Despite the high prevalence of OIC, no formal guidelines, diagnostic criteria, or ICD code exists in making a formal diagnosis of OIC.  Aggressive prevention and early treatment of OIC are important to optimize pain control when opioids are used. An increased understanding of OIC will result in a quicker diagnosis, improved quality of life, fewer complications and increased adherence to opioid therapy.

Voxmedia LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Voxmedia LLC designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Accreditation Standards for Continuing Pharmacy Education of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), through the co-sponsorship of Northwestern Ohio Medical University and Voxmedia LLC. Northeast Ohio Medical University is accredited by the ACPE to provide continuing education for pharmacists.

This application-based activity has been assigned Universal Activity Number (UAN) 0479-9999-14-153-L01-P and will awared 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEUs) of continuing pharmacy education.

OhioMHAS Continuing Education Committee is an approved provider of Continuing Education for RNs for the Ohio Board of Nursing and awards 1.5 CE contact hours per OBN003 92-1819CO.

A program evaluation form must be completed in order to obtain credit.

This activity is supported by an educational grant from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP.

Pre-registration is for planning purposes only.

For additional CME activities and online cme courses visit CMEPlanet

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