Patterns of opioid use in commercially insured patients with cancer.

Objectives: In an era of heightened opioid prescribing scrutiny, ensuring safe and adequate pain management is challenging. Understanding opioid use in patients with cancer can facilitate effective pain management regimens while minimizing safety concerns. This study characterized patterns of and factors associated with opioid use following a new cancer diagnosis.

Query mandates in prescription drug monitoring programs reduce opioid use among commercially insured patients with cancer.

Background: Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) have been shown to reduce opioid use in the general and noncancer populations. However, evidence of PDMP impacts on patients with cancer remains limited.

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the impact of PDMP mandates on individual-level opioid use among patients with cancer.

Respiratory events associated with concomitant opioid and sedative use among Medicare beneficiaries with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Opioids and sedatives are commonly prescribed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients for symptoms of dyspnoea, pain, insomnia, depression and anxiety. Older adults are advised to avoid these medications due to increased adverse events, including respiratory events. This study examines respiratory event risks associated with concomitant opioid and sedative use compared with opioid use alone in older adults with COPD.