Read the March 2014 Issue
Acetyl Fentanyl
“New Heroin” Leads to Opiate Fatalities
By Michael A. Wagner, PhD, Jeffery H. Moran, PhD,
Amy L. Patton, MS, and Laurie Ogilvie, MS
The past few years have seen an explosion of new, clandestinely produced synthetic drugs. These drugs have generally fallen into two general categories—synthetic, hallucinogenic stimulants (commonly known as bath salts) and synthetic cannabinoids (known as K2 or Spice). Recently, a new drug from the opioid family made a macabre entrance onto the stage.
Chronic Pain Management
Urine Drug Tests Provide Important Tool in Monitoring Patient Compliance
By Barbarajean Magnani, PhD, MD
A fast-growing epidemic, prescription drug
abuse has become the leading cause of unintentional
drug overdose deaths in the U.S. (1). Drugs to treat
pain have become more commonplace now that pain
is considered the fifth vital sign. Most clinicians treat
pain with various analgesics, including opioids for
chronic noncancer pain.
Continuing Education
Professional Organizations Offer Convenient Online Opportunities
By Michael A. Wagner, PhD, and Donald L.
Frederick, PhD
Professional organizations in clinical and forensic toxicology have begun offering on-line programs that make continuing education much more accessible. Many of these programs offer ACCENT® credit, which allows participants to document their continuing education efforts to meet requirements for licensure and certification. Participants can receive certificates to confirm that they have completed the appropriate modules.