Safe and Appropriate Use of Methadone in Hospice and Palliative Care: Expert Consensus White Paper

Methadone has several unique characteristics that make it an attractive option for pain relief in serious illness, but the safety of methadone has been called into question after reports of a disproportionate increase in opioid-induced deaths in recent years. The American Pain Society (APS), College on Problems of Drug Dependence, and the Heart Rhythm Society collaborated to issue guidelines on best practices to maximize methadone safety and efficacy, but guidelines for the end-of-life scenario have not yet been developed.
Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management - Category: Palliative Care Authors: Source Type: research