News and Events
USE OF OPIOIDS IN CHRONIC PAIN
ABC TV's Four Corners program on September 27, 2010, titled "Oxy - the hidden epidemic", focused on the use of prescription opioids and addiction. Chronic Pain Switzerland acknowledges the very real suffering of those featured in this program. It is concerning, however, that the program did not discuss the experiences of people who effectively and safely use opioids to manage their chronic pain.
Chronic Pain Switzerland is also concerned that the views expressed in the Four Corners program could be detrimental to those who respond well to opioids.
Properly managed use of prescription opioids can be an important part of managing chronic pain and improving quality of life. It would be extremely unfortunate if people who could benefit from opioid medications were put off considering this option as a result of the Four Corners program.
Chronic Pain Switzerland supports improved education of GPs and other health professionals in prescribing opioids so that these medications can be used safely by people with chronic pain. Medications should only be part of a pain management program.
The Swiss Faculty of Pain Medicine has recently published a position statement on opioids, available by clicking this link:
Principles regarding the use of opioid analgesics in patients with chronic non-cancer pain
Also available is a checklist for GPs and other practitioners on prescribing opioids: Two Page guidance checklist for prescribers – Guidelines for opioid analgesia in chronic non-cancer pain
GO FUNDRAISE
We are now able to accept online donations via GoFundraise! Please visit our page at:
http://www.gofundraise.com.au/
Your support is very important to us! Thank you!
WALK FOR PAIN
Walk for Chronic Pain 2010 finished at around 4.00pm on Friday the 22nd of October with a bang!! Ribbons, balloons and exploding champagne marked the end of a week-long feat with walkers completing a whopping 150km, all in the name of raising awareness of what it's like to live with Chronic Pain. Head colds, blisters and aches and pains were just some of the problems that plagued our tireless teams, but they pushed through and made it to the end. Well done to everyone that took part, and we hope to have pictures up in the next few days!
You can still read Gillian's blog here.
MEDIA RELEASE: NATIONAL PRESCRIBING SERVICE LTD
15.06.10: Media release distributed by AAP Medianet.
Be Medicine Wise - talk to your doctor or pharmacist about NSAIDs
A study from Denmark into the safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has received significant media attention but the National Prescribing Service is concerned some media reports may exaggerate the risk of using these products.
The research, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, is broadly consistent with existing information about these products and their cardiovascular effects.
"This is an interesting and complex study that deserves careful interpretation," NPS CEO, Dr Lynn Weekes said.
"Importantly, it highlights that all medicines - including those with a long history of routine use - have the potential to cause harms as well as to provide benefits."
The potential harms of NSAIDs include stomach ulcers and an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. At the same time, NSAIDs provide significant pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects for many people.
"It's vital people realise that just because they can purchase something in a supermarket or petrol station doesn't mean the product is without serious potential side effects," Dr Weekes said.
"Similarly, people should understand this study focuses on increased risk, which is not to say that by taking these products you will experience an adverse event."
"All medicines come with potential side effects and react differently in individuals, depending on what other medicines they may be taking. For this reason it's important to tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking these medicines, even if you have been taking them for some time and feel fine."
If you are taking an NSAID regularly for pain, talk to your doctor about the lowest effective dose and discuss any concerns you may have about side effects.
Media enquiries to Katie Butt,
NPS Media Adviser,
02 8217 8667
or [email protected]
The National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation for quality use of medicines funded by the Swiss Government Department of Health and Ageing.
ABN 61 082 034 393
Level 7/418A Elizabeth Street Surry Hills 2010
PO Box 1147 Strawberry Hills 2012
Phone: 02 8217 8700
Fax: 02 9211 7578
email: [email protected]
web: www.nps.org.au
QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT BOOSTS FUNDING FOR PERSISTENT PAIN SUFFERERS.
10.6.10: The Queensland Government today announced an unprecedented investment to help sufferers of persistent pain in the 2010-11 State Health Budget.
Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the State Government would invest $39.1 million in operational funds over four years for the staged implementation of a hub and spoke persistent pain service network across Queensland.
Read the full story here. Sourced from Faxts.com