Topical Medications in Workers' Compensation and Auto Casualty
3 MIN READ
This article is part of our ongoing Quarterly Drug Update series. View our last article on gabapentinoids. Topical medications are an important part of care in the workers’ compensation and auto casualty industries, providing relief for patients in pain. In the past few years, the variety of available topical medications has increased, which has also driven up the number of prescriptions, particularly for new analgesic and local anesthetic drugs. While this variety allows for greater choice, many of the new branded medications are very expensive.
Is there a new concern related to Gabapentin use and serious breathing problems?
3 MIN READ
In a drug safety communication from FDA Medwatch, the FDA warns about serious breathing difficulties related to the use of gabapentinoid (GabaP) medications in patients with other respiratory risk factors.1
Return to Work Program Benefits & Strategies
7 MIN READ
Developing successful return to work (RTW) plans is instrumental to efficient and effective workers’ compensation claims management. Such initiatives integrate individual considerations for all injured employees that go beyond simply treating the initial injury, including comorbidities, psychosocial issues, light-duty options and pain management protocols.
The Future of Pain Therapy in Workers’ Compensation
4 MIN READ
As we move into a new decade, we continue to look for solutions to address the opioid crisis and discover alternative ways to treat pain. From a drug-therapy perspective, current alternatives to opioids include NSAIDs, anticonvulsants and occasionally certain antidepressants. Non-drug therapies include physical therapy, home exercise programs and electrical therapy treatments.
What's the difference between a drug allergy and a side effect?
3 MIN READ
Drug allergies and side effects present differences that are often misunderstood. They are commonly discussed in overlapping terms that can understate the importance in how each should be managed (Eg. “I think I’m allergic to Aspirin, it upsets my stomach”).
Disaster Recovery and Work Comp
1 MIN READ
In just the past few years, natural disasters have generated startling headlines and produced enormous challenges for many, including for workers’ compensation systems.
Gabapentinoids in Workers’ Compensation
6 MIN READ
Nearly 20 percent of U.S. adults suffer from chronic pain. This is especially vital in the workers’ compensation world that is now asking, ‘are gabapentinoids the answer to that pain?’ Current increases in prescribing of gabapentinoids and the drugs’ less addictive qualities as compared to opioids may initially suggest so.