Low-dose Opioids Safe for Severe COPD

Lower-dose opioids are not associated with increased hospital admissions or deaths in patients with very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and might be safe for symptom reduction in severe respiratory disease. However, benzodiazepines and opioids in higher doses might increase mortality, according to a recent study. The authors state this study further supports the safety of regular low-dose systemic opioids to reduce breathlessness in severely ill patients with respiratory compromise and for those patients who have an immense need for relief of symptoms.
Safety of benzodiazepines and opioids in very severerespiratory disease: national prospective study.
British Medical Journal | Jan 30, 2014 (FREE FULL TEXT)