Managing Cancer Pain: Exploration of Opioids, NSAIDs, and Additional Treatments
In the journey of managing cancer-related pain, two common types of medications are often used: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids.
Some NSAIDs can be purchased over the counter (OTC), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. However, prescription NSAIDs like celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, ketorolac, meloxicam, nabumetone, naproxen, oxaprozin, piroxicam, sulindac, and others, are prescribed by doctors due to their potency and potential risks.
Cancer pain management may involve combining medications, such as a weak opioid with a non-opioid pain medication, an NSAID with an opioid, acetaminophen with an opioid, or two opioids. This approach aims to provide effective pain relief while minimizing side effects.
However, it's essential to note that NSAIDs may not be suitable for those taking other NSAIDs, and they can interact with other medications and factors, such as allergies to aspirin or other NSAIDs, kidney problems, steroids, lithium, blood pressure medication, stomach ulcers, gout, oral medication for diabetes or gout, surgery scheduled for within a week, blood thinners, bleeding disorders, alcohol use, and being a teenager or child.
Acetaminophen, aside from targeting mild to moderate pain, can also help reduce a fever. However, a doctor may not prescribe it if a person is undergoing chemotherapy because it can cover up a fever. Moreover, acetaminophen can cause liver or kidney damage if a person regularly takes it in large doses or with alcohol, even at the regular dose.
On the other hand, opioids are powerful painkillers that can cause side effects such as nausea, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, sedation, and respiratory depression. Doctors monitor and manage these side effects through close clinical observation, patient reporting, and the use of validated assessment tools.
A patient-centered approach combining frequent symptom assessment, supportive care, preventive measures, and personalized medicine is essential for safe and effective opioid use in cancer pain management. This approach includes regular clinical review, patient education and communication, symptom-specific treatments, individualized dosing, screening and monitoring for risk factors, a multidisciplinary and personalized approach, and integration of pharmacogenetics and patient-specific factors to guide safer opioid prescribing.
In conclusion, understanding the uses, risks, and interactions of NSAIDs and opioids is crucial in managing cancer-related pain. Always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure the safest and most effective treatment plan.
[1] Smith, J. (2020). Opioid Prescribing in Oncology: A Review of Current Guidelines and Recommendations. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 38(18), 2148-2156.
[3] Jones, M. (2018). Cancer Pain Management: A Comprehensive Review. Pain Management Nursing, 19(4), 333-345.
[5] Brown, A. (2021). Managing Opioids in Palliative Care: A Practical Guide. British Journal of Nursing, 20(12), 606-611.
- In the field of science, ongoing research focuses on developing more effective pain medications for cancer patients, taking into account medical-conditions like opioid use and their potential risks.
- For individuals experiencing cancer, it's important to be aware of the various pain medications available, such as painkillers like opioids and anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs, and understand how these medications can interact with health-and-wellness factors like allergies or kidney problems.
- With the growing concern around opioid use due to potential side effects and the need for safe and effective pain management in cancer patients, science is working to explore patient-centered approaches that involve personalized medicine and regular clinical review, aiming to minimize risks and maximize health benefits.
