May 2011

A brief look at interesting and noteworthy studies and articles addressing various issues in the diagnosis and management of pain in children.

Although a recent study found naltrexone compared favorably to placebo in treating patients for opioid dependence, critics have questioned the results.

A recently released study showing that many patients are not aware of the type or quantity of active ingredient in their over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications has resulted in increased scrutiny on medication safety issues and the proper use of OTC pain relievers, especially NSAIDs and drugs containing acetaminophen.

Prior to an FDA ban on unapproved colchicine products, the drugs cost roughly $0.10 a pill. Now, there is only one FDA-approved colchicine product, and it costs $5 a pill.

In the real world, no two fibromyalgia patients are the same. So why did the old diagnostic criteria treat them as if they were?

Physicians need a reliable tool that allows them to monitor treatment compliance and determine if patients are diverting meds or using illicit drugs.