Opioids

**Opioid Rules of Thumb Are Sticky—Even When the Evidence Moves On.**  From how quickly dependence risk starts to whether the newest non-opioid really replaces an opioid, a lot of advice is still running on assumptions learned years ago.  In this episode, Don and Steve separate opioid fact from folklore by challenging long-held assumptions with the latest evidence.    - 💊 How fast can dependence risk start after a first prescription? - 🆕 Does suzetrigine (Journavx) give opioids a run for their money with safety? - **🩹** Do antihistamines actually touch opioid-induced itching? - 🧩 And why is 'never use opioids' the wrong rule for patients with OUD? We'll titrate the puns and press on a few pain points to get to the truth behind these claims:  - Dependence risk can increase soon after initiating opioids. - Suzetrigine is safer than opioids. - Antihistamines are very effective for opioid-induced pruritus (itching). - Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) cannot be treated with opioids for pain. 🏷️ Our listeners can get **10% off** a new or upgraded subscription with code **rvt1026** at checkout.   \*\*\*\*\**  TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:   - Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC - Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP \*\*\*\*\**  CE Information:  None of the speakers have anything to disclose.  TRC Healthcare offers **CE credit** for this podcast for subscribers at our platinum level or higher. Log in to your *Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter*, or *Prescriber Insights* account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses.  Claim Credit  \*\*\*\*\**  The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to *Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter*, and *Prescriber Insights*:   - Article: Take the Pain out of Debunking Opioid-Related Rumors - Checklist: Opioid Stewardship Checklist - Chart: Analgesics for Acute Pain in Adults - Algorithm: Investigating Possible Drug Allergy - Checklist: Opioid Reversal Agents Quick Start Guide - FAQ: Meds for Opioid Overdose - Chart: Equianalgesic Dosing of Opioids for Pain Management - Chart: Managing Cough and Cold Symptoms - FAQ: Treatment of Acute Pain in Opioid Use Disorder \*\*\*\*\**  Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to stay ahead with trusted insights and tools.   🎓 If you're a student, good news—students can access a free version of Pharmacist’s Letter.   Send us Fan Mail Email us: [rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com](mailto:rumorvstruth@trchealthcare.com) *The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.* Find the show on YouTube by searching for ‘TRC Healthcare’ or clicking here. Learn more about our product offerings at trchealthcare.com.