FDA approves new hand-held auto-injector to reverse opioid overdose
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved a prescription treatment that can be used by family members or caregivers to treat a person known or suspected to have had an opioid overdose. Evzio (naloxone hydrochloride injection) rapidly delivers a single dose of the drug naloxone via a hand-held auto-injector that can be carried in […]
High-Risk Use by Patients Prescribed Opioids for Pain and Its Role in Overdose Deaths
From January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2010, drug overdose deaths in Tennessee increased from 422 to 1059 per year. More of these deaths involved prescription opioids than heroin and cocaine combined. More.
Confronting the Stigma of Opioid Use Disorder —and Its Treatment
The death of Philip Seymour Hoffman from a heroin overdose tragically adds another name to the list of celebrities who have lost their lives to addiction. Increasing numbers of overdoses from prescription opioids and a more recent increase in heroin-associated fatalities have caused heartbreak in communities across the country. More.
Drug czar R. Gil Kerlikowske calls for more access to heroin antidote
By DANIEL ROTHBERG WASHINGTON — White House drug czar R. Gil Kerlikowske on Tuesday called for making naloxone, a drug that has been highly effective at reversing heroin overdoses, more widely available to emergency-care providers and other first responders.More.
Heroin Overdose ‘Cure’ Exists, But Can Users Find It?
NBC News BY ANDREW BLANKSTEIN Tracey Helton’s descent into the world of opiates began at 17, when she had her wisdom teeth pulled and was prescribed Vicodin. Not long after, she began shooting heroin. Then came a fateful move to San Francisco, periods of homelessness, a featured role in an HBO documentary about heroin addicts and […]
FACTS FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS ABOUT PRESCRIPTION OPIOIDS
Opiate overdose continues to be a major public health problem in the United States. It has contributed significantly to accidental deaths among those who use, misuse or abuse illicit and prescription opioid analgesics. In fact, overdose deaths involving prescription opioid analgesics have increased to almost 17,000 deaths a year. More.
FIVE ESSENTIAL STEPS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS TO OPIOID OVERDOSE
Overdose is common among persons who use illicit opioids such as heroin and among those who misuse medications prescribed for pain, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. The incidence of opioid overdose is rising nationwide. More.
Information for Opioid Prescribers
Opioid overdose is a major public health problem, accounting for almost 17,000 deaths a year in the United States. Overdose involves both males and females of all ages, ethnicities, and demographic and economic characteristics, and involves both illicit opioids such as heroin and, increasingly, prescription opioid analgesics such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl and methadone. More.
RECOVERING FROM OPIOID OVERDOSE
Survivors of opioid overdose have experienced a life-changing and traumatic event. They have had to deal with the emotional consequences of overdosing, which can involve embarrassment, guilt, anger, and gratitude, all accompanied by the discomfort of opioid withdrawal. Most need the support of family and friends to take the next steps toward recovery. More.
Treating Prescription Opioid Use Disorder
October 2, 2014: Journal of the American Medical Association: Treating Prescription Opioid Use Disorder This study represents a rigorous experimental evaluation of outpatient buprenorphine stabilization, brief taper, and naltrexone maintenance for treatment of PO dependence. Results suggest that a meaningful subset of PO-dependent outpatients may respond positively to a 4-week taper plus naltrexone maintenance intervention. View […]
