The Role of Opioid Medication in Chronic Pain Management - PowerPoint Presentation

The Role of Opioid Medication in Chronic Pain Management Lorraine Widdall, MS APRN BC Interventional Spine and Pain Center

Effective December 15, 2013Emergency rule that temporarily adds provisions under P.L. 185-2013 (SEA246) regarding physicians prescribing opioids for chronic pain. Under Title 844 Medical Licensing Board of Indiana Indiana Prescribing Guidelines

Patients with chronic pain.Chronic Pain is defined in this document as: A state in which pain persists beyond the usual course of an acute disease or healing of an injury, or that may or may not be associated with an acute or chronic pathologic process that causes continuous or intermittent pain over months or years. Included:

Patients with a terminal conditionResidents of a healthcare facility Patients enrolled in a hospice program Patients enrolled in an inpatient or outpatient palliative care program of a hospital Excluded:

Patient has been prescribed: More than 60 opioid containing pills a month; or A morphine equivalent dose of more than 15 mg per day; for more than 3 consecutive months Guidelines apply when:

Evaluation and Risk stratificationEducation of the patient as to risks and benefits of opioid therapy as well as expectations related to prescription requests and proper medication use Continual monitoring and evaluation of therapy DOCUMENTATION Also included

Indiana legislature passed a law, in compliance with a federal mandate for states, requiring the Indiana Medical Licensing Board to develop an emergency opioid prescribing rule. Proliferation of “pill mills” Prescription drug abuse has become a bigger problem than all other illicit street drugs Pain has been treated as “5 th Vital Sign” Why?

The US comprises 4% of the world’s population yet consumes 85% of the opioid medication. CDC Is there a problem?

Detox in Lake County Jail exploding from prescription drugs (10:1 RX to heroin)Sheriff has established the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Task Force (Seized over $7M in RX drugs in 2013, already over that for 2014) New trend: heroin cut with BZA Wellbutrin and Gabapentin snorted together mimic heroin. Lake County, IN

17th in US for RX drug deaths Porter county #1 in IN for heroin deaths In 2013, the OAG filed disciplinary complaints against 15 physicians for overprescribing pain medication; so far in 2014 they have already surpassed that number Indiana

ProceduresPhysical therapy/Aquatic therapy Lifestyle changes NSAIDAdjuvant medicationsPsychological counseling Alternative treatments Opioid Free Treatment

Epidural Steroid InjectionsJoint injections Steroid/Hyaluronate (Synvisc or Hyalgan)Trigger Point Injections Scar Neuroma Injections Nerve Blocks (Chemical/Thermal) Chemodenervation (Botox) Procedures

Aquatic TherapyLand Based Home exercise program Physical Therapy

Weight lossSmoking Cessation Activity pacing Back to work (work hardening/conditioning/restrictions)Exercise Lifestyle Changes

OTC ibuprofen and naproxenPrescription Mobic, Celebrex, Motrin, Diclofenac TylenolTopical preparations Pennsaid, Voltaren Gel, Flector patches NSAID’s

Antidepressants: Nortriptyline, Amitriptyline, Effexor, Cymbalta, Savella Antiseizures : Gabapentin, Lyrica, Topamax, Lamitcal, Tegretol, GraliseMuscle Relaxants : Baclofen, Tizanadine , Flexeril, Zanaflex, Robaxin, Skelaxin, (Exclude Soma) Sedative/Antianxiety : Valium, Xanax, Klonopin Topical : Lidoderm Adjuvant Medications

Evaluation is ALWAYS appropriateTreat underlying issues that are closely related to pain such as depression and sexual abuse Biofeedback Relaxation/meditationImagery Music therapy Psychological Counseling

AcupunctureAcupressureMassage Hypnosis Alternative Treatments

Evaluation and risk stratification History and physical Obtain and review records from other providers Objective pain assessment tool Risk for substance abuse tool (SOAPP) Establish working diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan Managing Opioid Therapy

Risks/benefits and expectations Discuss alternative modalities to opioids Simple and clear explanation to help patient understand the key elements of their treatment plan Discuss with females ages 14-55 with childbearing potential possible risks to the fetus Managing Opioid Therapy

Review and sign a treatment agreement which shall include at least the following: 1. Goals of treatment 2. Consent to drug testing*****(delayed until 1/1/15 due to ACLU lawsuit filed 1/8) 3. Physician prescribing policies which must include (at least) that the medication be taken as prescribed and not shared with anyone else. Managing Opioid Therapy

4. A requirement that the patient inform the physician about any other controlled substances prescribed or taken. 5. Permission for random pill counts 6. Reasons that the opioid therapy may be discontinued or changed by the physician. *A copy of this agreement is to be retained in the patient’s chart.

Periodic scheduled face to face visits Stable medication regime: at least every 4 months Changed medication regime: at least every 2 months During the visit, evaluate progress and compliance and set clear expectations along the way (such as participation in physical therapy) Managing Opioid Therapy

INSPECT At the outset of an opioid treatment plan and at least annually thereafter. Document in chart the consistency with physician’s knowledge of patient’s controlled substance history Managing Opioid Therapy

Drug Testing At the outset of opioid treatment plan and at least annually thereafter. Doesn’t specify serum, urine or saliva Must include confirmatory test results Inconsistencies or presence of illicits require review of treatment plan. Documentation of revised plan and discussion with patient must be recorded in chart. Managing Opioid Therapy

When a patient’s opioid dose reaches a morphine equivalent of 60 mg/day: Face to face review of treatment plan Consideration of referral to specialist If continuing therapy, there must be a revised assessment and plan for therapy Documented assessment of increased risk for adverse outcomes, including death. Managing Opioid Therapy

Short acting: Tylenol with codeine, Tramadol, hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, NucyntaLong acting: MS Contin, Fentanyl, Opana, Oxycontin, (Zohydro) Methadone DemerolIntrathecal opioid therapy Appropriate Use of Opioids

THE HOLY TRINITY Hydrocodone Muscle Relaxant (Soma) Benzodiazepine Red flag for DEA Appropriate Use of Opioids

PRN vs. ScheduledTreat flares and return to baseline It’s OK to say “no.” Be aware of trends and fads (Adderall)Stay informed and aware www.opiophile.org Appropriate Use of Opioids

Lake County Drug Task Force 219-755-3822www.deadiversion.udsoj.gov Scott Nowland (219) 681-7000 x128 www.cdc.gov www.bitterpill.IN.gov (Indiana AG office) www.supportprop.org (Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing) Resources