October 21, 2008, starting at 3:00 pm EDT

 

 

There are many ways to treat pain - opioid and non-opioid medications, psychosocial interventions, physical rehabilitation, complementary & alternative medicine (CAM), injection and infusion therapies, implantable devices and surgical interventions.

 

Because of myths and misconceptions about opioids, discussion of medications often overshadows the importance of all available options for treating pain. However, medications play an important role in pain management. Opioid analgesics, when properly prescribed and taken as directed, can be an effective pain treatment option as part of a multi-modal pain treatment plan. Those affected by pain, providers, patients and family alike, need to be well-informed to be sure that myths and misunderstandings do not get in the way of effective pain control. We also must recognize that keeping pain medications out of unsafe hands is everyone’s responsibility.

 

Please join a special webcast, When Good Medicines Become Bad Drugs, moderated by General Barry R. McCaffrey, former director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. This free webcast, sponsored by Cephalon, Inc., will focus on helping patients, caregivers and the public understand that they too have a responsibility in ensuring that prescription opioids are used appropriately. By providing practical tips for safeguarding medications in the home, the program aims to engage patients and caregivers to take an active role in preventing abuse and diversion of prescription opioid pain medications.