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LAS VEGAS — Researchers are developing a consensus report to provide clinical guidance for the management of patients with chronic non cancer pain who are taking both opioids and cannabinoids, according to research presented at PAINWeek 2019, held September 3-7 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The report will be developed by a core scientific committee comprising cannabinoid subject matter experts from the United States and Canada. Consensus questions associated with the management of cannabinoid and opioid co-administration will be reviewed twice and subsequently finalized with the inclusion of additional experts.
During a meeting in the fall of 2019, consensus questions will be discussed and anonymous voting will allow for consensus to be reached. A literature review of the evidence, committee discussion of each question, and key consensus statements regarding the management of patients with chronic pain taking cannabinoids and opioids will then be published.
Key focus areas of this consensus report should include appropriate timing for introducing cannabinoids in a pain management continuum, initiation and titration of cannabinoids in patients on an opioid regimen, and tapering and de-prescribing of opioids after cannabinoid initiation.
Other key focus areas include the evaluation of clinical success in patients co-administering opioids and cannabinoids, considerations relating to specialized populations, and identification of relevant patient factors.
“This report will provide a foundation for practicing clinicians and help direct future research on the topic of pain control in the presence of cannabinoids and opioids,” noted the researchers.
Reference
Sihota A, Smith B, Baranci M, et al. Expert consensus on the optimization of cannabinoids and opioids for chronic pain control. Presented at: PAINWeek 2019; September 3-7, 2019; Las Vegas, Nevada. Poster 1.
