Join us as we discuss the increased off-label use of gabapentinoids most likely in response to the treatment of pain.

Throughout this 60-mintute session, learners will broaden their multimodal toolkit for pain management using a case-based format of three common pain conditions seen in the primary care setting. Participants will hear from two collaborating presenters: a primary care physician and a board-certified, pain-trained anesthesiologist, who manage and collaborate on patients with pain conditions. Emphasis will be placed on the evidence in support of non-opioid therapies for pain management, including pharmacologic, non-pharmacologic, and interventional strategies.

Prescribing opioids are not without risks. However, opioids continue to be prescribed for acute and chronic pain given that they have been shown to be an effective treatment for certain individuals. Consistent with all prescribed medications, it is important for the prescriber to be aware of common side effects and their management, as well as potential serious side effects and their management. These recommendations are designed to minimize harm to the patient, their loved ones/caregivers, as well as to inform the prescriber about best practices. This session will provide clinicians with an overview of general precautions necessary when prescribing opioids.

Time to meet your next patient! This interactive patient case scenario will guide you through best practices for a patient who presents with bilateral knee OA. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of disability. A variety of pain management options may be appropriate for OA, including nonpharmacologic, non-opioid pharmacologic, and opioid modalities. You will review approaches to diagnosis and treatment and strategies for identifying risks for potential opioid misuse and abuse.

This activity focuses on improving practitioners’ ability to recognize, diagnose, and classify pain; educating clinicians on the full spectrum of pain management options, including nonpharmacologic and nonopioid pharmacologic interventions; and providing risk reduction strategies through integration of opioids into individualized pain management plans. This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from the Opioid Analgesic REMS Program Companies. Please see https://ce.opioidanalgesicrems.com/RpcCEUI/rems/pdf/resources/List_of_RPC_Companies.pdf for a listing of REMS Program Companies. This activity is intended to be fully compliant with the Opioid Analgesic REMS education requirements issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).