New recommendations have just been published by the High Authority for Health concerning opioids.
Use primarily to relieve pain, opioids present health risks. Through new recommendations, the High Authority for Health has however just emphasized that taking analgesic opioids could “ induce high physical dependence – with significant consequences that can go as far as overdose or even death from respiratory arrest ».
The taking of opioids better regulated thanks to new recommendations
In order to offer a just prescription », the High Authority for Health (HAS) came to share first recommendations for healthcare professionals concerning opioids (tramadol, codeine, oxycodone, fentanyl, opium powder, etc.). These concern in particular general practitioners, emergency doctors, pain doctors, rheumatologists, addictologists or even pharmacists.
Before getting to the heart of the matter, the High Authority for Health declared: “ Although today, in France, the consumption of opioids does not reach the level of the United States or England, it is however on the increase “. She also recalls that 17.1% of French people had had an opioid prescription in 2015, and specifies that this ” figure which would be on the rise in recent years ».
Through these recommendations, the High Authority for Health wants to “ secure the use of opioids, without restricting access for patients who need them “. She therefore recommends to use these drugs in the treatment of pain : chronic non-cancer, acute pain, linked to cancer, and finally in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
The HAS then recalls “ regardless of the type of opioid medication, too much prescribed can quickly become problematic “. Indeed, consumption presents risks, such as “ develop a drug use or overdose disorder “. She thus recommends a treatment gradually, with regular reassessments at the start of treatment in order to adjust the dosage and monitor the appearance of adverse effects “. In the event that treatment continues after 6 months, she recommends “ gradually reduce the treatment or even stop it completely to check its relevance and dosage.