J Pharmacoepidemiol Risk Manage.  2022 Mar;14(1):1-10. 10.56142/2022.14.1.1.

Adverse Effects of Opioids and Safe Prescription for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain

• Lee JC
• Chang DJ
• Song HJ

• KMID: 2534668
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.56142/2022.14.1.1

Abstract

Chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) affects approximately 20% of the general population and its global prevalence is increasing. CNCP affects the quality of life (QOL) of both the patients and their families. CNCP has poor treatment outcomes despite the high personal and social costs involved in the management of CNCP. Although long-term opioid use in CNCP remains controversial, several international guidelines include opioid therapy as a part of second and/or third-line treatment. Recent prescribing trends in South Korea show increased opioid use for CNCP. In Korea however, guidelines for the use and management of adverse reactions related to opioid use in CNCP treatment are scarce. Owing to ethnic differences and variations in drug utilication, guidelines developed in Western countries require close reviews and modifications before they can be practically applied in Korean patients. This study reviewed the clinical evidence, guidelines, and adverse effects of opioid use for the treatment of CNCP and developed pragmatic strategies for the prevention and management of opioid-induced adverse effects.

Keyword

Chronic non-cancer pain; Opioids; Adverse effects