STUDY CLAIMS OPIATES OVERLOOKED IN EUROPE

According to a report by European association OPEN Minds, European Union (EU) governments are continuing to underestimate the therapeutic value of opiate painkillers. Much of this trend has been due to social stigmas against powerful opioids, attitudes the group claims are outdated.

In a survey of 17 European markets, OPEN Minds found reluctance to prescribe opioids endemic. Apparently, in order to discourage misprescribing of highly addictive substances, prescription slips are often filled out in triplicate, and local languages refer to the substances in highly loaded terms. Some 30% of respondents also claimed to have different sentiments over opioids than other pain treatments, while 45% would feel concerned if a friend or family member were prescribed an opioid.

Nevertheless, the timing of the report is notable. The group estimates that chronic pain conditions cost EU economies some EUR34bn (US$41.53bn) per year, and many governments do not offer any reimbursement for opioids. However, in light of the recent withdrawal of a number of key potential opioid substitutes in the chronic pain segment, OPEN Minds clearly believes conditions exist for increased use of opioids.