The French Society for the Study and Treatment of Pain (SFETD) reminds us how to secure the prescription of analgesic drugs and limit excesses.
- 32% of French people express daily pain for more than 3 months.
- 20% of French people report chronic pain of moderate to severe intensity.
- At least 12 million French people suffer from chronic pain.
At his last press conference, SFETD presented a summary of the recommendations concerning the proper use of analgesics, as some of these drugs can generate strong dependence.
Opioids and non-opioids
Concerning opioids: the ANSM modified the rules for prescribing Tramadol from April 15, 2020, limiting the maximum duration of prescription to 12 weeks.
Regarding non-opioid medicines: “Pregabalin (or Lyrica), an antiepileptic drug indicated in the treatment of neuropathic pain, is one of the drugs for which use disorders have also been identified”, explains the SFETD. In order to limit misuse, which has been increasing in recent years, the ANSM modified, from May 24, 2021, the conditions for prescribing and dispensing pregabalin-based specialties (Lyrica and generics):
– the prescription must be made on a secure prescription;
– the prescription period for Pregabalin is limited to 6 months.
Focus on Amitriptyline
As for Amitriptyline or Laroxyl, an antidepressant drug indicated in the treatment of neuropathic pain, the collaboration of the SFETD with the ANSM has enabled the return to an oral form in droppers, “more suitable for low doses than the syringe graduated from 10 mg to 80 mg in 5 mg intervals (to initiate treatment and increase very gradually)”, explain pain experts.
“Despite the identified risks, pain relief must remain a public health priority,” underlines the SFETD. “The use of opioid drugs has greatly contributed to improving pain management in France and this achievement should be preserved, provided that regulations, recommendations for good practice and the proper use of drugs are respected”, conclude the scientists.
.
