An analysis finds a “one size fits all” approach to prescribing opioids after surgery poses risks for addiction in certain patients.

Opioid pain medication carries risks

Patients whose dental pain was treated with opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone were more likely to have an overdose within 90 days, as were their family members.

People with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia often receive medications for depression, anxiety, agitation, sleep problems, apathy and other behavioral issues. But combinations of three or more can be dangerous.

Many take leftover doses from previous prescriptions, and expect new prescriptions for non-bacterial illness.

Pain control after elective surgery does not have to include opioids to achieve good patient satisfaction without risk of addiction or diversion.

Medication reviews can spot risky drug interactions and chances to save money on prescriptions, but most older adults haven’t had one.

For older adults, and others, de-intensifying medical treatment, screening or testing can bring benefits and reduce harms, but guidelines don’t often advise doctors.

A new study shows the need for faster in-hospital testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) and other bacterial infections, which could reduce overuse of antibiotics.

From opioids and antipsychotics to antidepressants and anxiety medicines, study looks at prescriptions among community-dwelling older adults with dementia.

Prescribing guidelines recommend the opioid overdose rescue drug naloxone for anyone taking high-dose prescription opioids, overdose survivors and people with opioid addiction. A new study shows few receive it.

1 in 9 publicly insured and 1 in 11 privately insured children received low-value care in 2014, researchers find.

Study finds teens and college-aged youth are at equal risk as their adult counterparts for opioid overdoses.

Approximately 60% of children receive an opioid prescription for post-operative pain following tonsillectomies, but a new study finds that opioids may not prevent complications.

Pneumonia Patients Get Too Many Antibiotics – Especially as They Leave the Hospital