FDA weighs high-dose opioid use, safety

Today and tomorrow, the FDA is holding a meeting about how high-dose opioids are used and their accompanying safety concerns. The meeting comes as health care providers and the government try to lower opioid prescribing and amid concerns that some patients are being inappropriately cut off from medications they rely on. “FDA frequently hears from patients and healthcare providers that higher dose opioid analgesics continue to be a unique and necessary part of effective pain management for some patients,” the agency says. “FDA is also cognizant of serious safety concerns associated with both higher strengths and higher daily doses of opioid analgesics, both in patients and in others who may access these drugs.” More details about the meeting here.

Related: STAT has a First Opinion piece out this morning from a group of researchers who argue that critiques of federal prescribing guidelines are undermining public health. Read it here.