Opioid Rules of Thumb Are Sticky—Even When the Evidence Moves On. 

From how quickly dependence risk starts to whether the newest non-opioid really replaces an opioid, a lot of advice is still running on assumptions learned years ago. 

In this episode, Don and Steve separate opioid fact from folklore by challenging long-held assumptions with the latest evidence.   

• 💊 How fast can dependence risk start after a first prescription? 
• 🆕 Does suzetrigine (Journavx) give opioids a run for their money with safety? 
• 🩹 Do antihistamines actually touch opioid-induced itching? 
• 🧩 And why is 'never use opioids' the wrong rule for patients with OUD? 

We'll titrate the puns and press on a few pain points to get to the truth behind these claims: 

• Dependence risk can increase soon after initiating opioids. 
• Suzetrigine is safer than opioids. 
• Antihistamines are very effective for opioid-induced pruritus (itching). 
• Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) cannot be treated with opioids for pain. 

🏷️ Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout.  

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TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:  

• Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC  
• Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP 

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CE Information: 

None of the speakers have anything to disclose. 

TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for subscribers at our platinum level or higher. Log in to your Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter,or Prescriber Insights account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses. 

Claim Credit 

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The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights:  

• Article: Take the Pain out of Debunking Opioid-Related Rumors 
• Checklist: Opioid Stewardship Checklist  
• Chart: Analgesics for Acute Pain in Adults 
• Algorithm: Investigating Possible Drug Allergy 
• Checklist: Opioid Reversal Agents Quick Start Guide 
• FAQ: Meds for Opioid Overdose 
• Chart: Equianalgesic Dosing of Opioids for Pain Management 
• Chart: Managing Cough and Cold Symptoms 
• FAQ: Treatment of Acute Pain in Opioid Use Disorder 

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