Papers of the Week

Opioid therapy for managing chronic pain remains a challenge, as providers must weigh the medical benefit to the patient with the risk of adverse events. Manipulation of many extended-release (ER) opioid formulations may lead to increased serious medical outcomes or death. The economic burden of opioid use disorders due to opioid misuse and abuse may vary depending on which abuse deterrent opioid formulation is prescribed. The study aimed to compare demographic and clinical characteristics and healthcare costs of chronic pain patients treated with two different abuse-deterrent opioid formulations, Xtampza ER and reformulated OxyContin.