Exclusive: ACR Convergence 2024| Focus Rheums

An official publication of the ACR and the ARP serving rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals

Reading Rheum

Gail C. Davis, RN, EdD  |  Issue: September 2007  |  

While a controlled study is needed with RA patients to make more definitive recommendations, these results suggest that transdermal fentanyl should be considered as a treatment option for RA patients who are not experiencing a reduction in pain intensity to allow participation in daily and social activities. Providers should remember that the effectiveness of opioids varies with the individual and the type of opioid, as well as the dose. Furthermore, some time may be necessary to establish the best treatment plan. An attractive feature of transdermal fentanyl is that it can used in combination with other agents.

References:

  1. Auret K, Schug, SA. Underutilisation of opioids in elderly patients with chronic pan: approaches to correcting the problem. Drugs Aging. 1998;22:641-654.
  2. American Pain Society. Guideline for the Management of Pain in Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Juvenile Chronic Arthritis. Glenview, Il: 2002, p. 81.

Related Articles

    Restoration of Sleep Physiology vs. Sedation for Sleep Disorders, Fibromyalgia

    Sleep disturbance is an important medical problem, requiring intervention, not simply to reduce latency to its onset, but to ensure achievement of the depth of sleep that has been documented to restore homeostasis and prevent the falls that are responsible for so much morbidity and mortality.1 ad goes here:advert-1ADVERTISEMENTSCROLL TO CONTINUESleep disturbance is present in…

    Tips for Treating Insomnia in Rheumatology Patients

    Chronic insomnia is a common complaint for patients with rheumatic diseases and conditions. In fact, sleep disturbances are among the most common symptoms of both fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with more than 50% of chronic pain patients reporting sleep disturbances. Pain combined with insomnia can lead to a vicious cycle, says Ruth Gentry, PhD,…

    Speak Out Rheum: How Did We Go So Wrong with Opioid Prescribing?

    I have been listening to The Fighter Pilot Podcast because my fantasy career would have been to fly a jet fighter plane (not even remotely possible, given my constitution). I learned that when an aircraft accident occurs, a mishap board is convened, not to assign blame but to try to learn what went wrong and…

    Fibromyalgia-Related Sleep Disorder Diagnosis & Treament Tips

    Fibromyalgia-Related Sleep Disorder Diagnosis & Treament Tips

    When a patient has fibromyalgia, sleep troubles are the last thing they need. Unfortunately, sleep problems affect a large number of fibromyalgia patients, and those problems can turn into a vicious cycle that interplays with daytime pain and fatigue. “Pain and sleep disturbances are a double-edged sword,” says Elika Kormeili, MFT, a licensed clinical psychologist…