Nonopioid versus opioid agents for chronic neuropathic pain, rheumatoid arthritis pain, cancer pain and low back pain.

TitleNonopioid versus opioid agents for chronic neuropathic pain, rheumatoid arthritis pain, cancer pain and low back pain.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsNoori SA, Aiyer R, Yu J, White RS, Mehta N, Gulati A
JournalPain Manag
Date Published2019 Jan 25
ISSN1758-1877
Abstract

Chronic pain continues to be a major health issue throughout the world and a huge economic burden for nations around the world. While the use of opioids does have risks, they are still widely used by clinicians as a treatment option for various chronic pain conditions. This review explores and compares the efficacy and safety of opioid and nonopioid agents for the following commonly encountered chronic pain conditions: neuropathic pain, rheumatoid arthritis joint pain, cancer pain and low back pain. Our findings demonstrate that while there are several nonopioid pharmacologic options that are clinically effective, opioids maintain a role in the treatment of certain chronic pain conditions and should continue to have an important place in the armamentarium of clinicians.

DOI10.2217/pmt-2018-0052
Alternate JournalPain Manag
PubMed ID30681031