Advanced Opioid Pharmacotherapy: Investigating all the Nooks and Crannies!

Outcomes 1. Describe recent advances in opioid pharmacotherapy including conversion calculations, dosing of “unique” opioids, and prevention and detection of opioid toxicity.2. Given a simulated patient, select an opioid for pain management in the current era of opioid misuse and abuse, including a patient/family history of substance use disorder.3. Describe the appropriate use of co-analgesic therapy in conjunction with opioid therapy including duloxetine, gabapentinoids, ketamine, and cannabis.This fast-paced session is not for the faint of heart! This seminar delivers a solid half-day of opioid pharmacotherapy covers three primary themes. The first is results from an international consensus building process on best practices in opioid conversion calculations, and dosing of “unique” opioids (such as levorphanol, and strategies for dosing methadone and buprenorphine). This segment will also include a discussion on advanced in managing opioid adverse effects and drug interactions. The second section addresses the complex situation of opioid selection during an era of opioid misuse and abuse, and specific selection of an opioid for a patient with a past or current history of misuse of controlled or illicit substances. The final act of the afternoon will be the appropriate selection and use of co-analgesics along with opioid therapy including duloxetine gabapentinoids, ketamine and cannabis. There's no WAY anyone practicing in hospice or palliative care should miss this seminar! Buckle your seatbelts – this is going to be a FAST ride!!