A recent study supported by the Rheumatology Research Foundation’s Scientist Development Award received by Christine Anastasiou, MD, MAS, found that more than 40% of people age 65 and older living with a rheumatic diseaseRheumatic disease is an umbrella term that refers to arthritis and several other conditions that affect the joints, tendons, muscle, ligaments, bones, and muscles (arthritis... filled at least one opioid pain medication prescription in 2021. Nearly 18% used opioids for 90 days or longer, which is considered long-term use. This study looked at how often opioids are prescribed to people with rheumatic diseases in the United States.
Their research found that:
- People with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) were more likely to receive opioid prescriptions
- People with fibromyalgiaSyndrome of chronic pain of musculoskeletal origin but uncertain cause. Is accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. Learn more., depression, or anxiety were more likely to use opioids long-term
- Non-rheumatology providers were more likely to prescribe opioids than rheumatologists
These findings demonstrate how common opioid use is for managing chronicChronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living or... pain among older patients with rheumatic diseases, highlighting the ongoing need for safer, more effective pain treatment options.
Read more about this study in this article from Healio.