Dr Gerald Sacks Considers Lack of Education in Addressing the Problem as the Greatest Unmet Need in Management of OIC

Dr Gerald Sacks explains the major unmet needs in the management of Opioid-Induced Constipation. You cannot agree more with the fact that the most common unmet need is that the healthcare professionals do not have time or the knowledge base to effectively discuss the topic of OIC with patients who are on opioids.

Dr Sacks has dedicated a significant amount of his time in educating the professionals that if they are prescribing opioids to any patient to treat acute pain, there is a possibility that the patient might develop OIC. According to him, there are certain medications that effectively address and treat OIC. The peripherally acting µ-opioid receptor antagonists are designed to treat this problem.

Dr Gerald Sacks feels that the greatest unmet need in the management of OIC is the lack of education and time to have an in-depth discussion with the patient addressing the issue. He states that there is an increase in acceptance of the usage of the peripherally acting µ-opioid receptor antagonists. Besides, he has also seen an increase in the education background and in the knowledge base of health care professionals in both understanding the concept of OIC. 

Dr Gerald Sacks also feels that many primary care practitioners have now started recommending patients to utilize lifestyle changes. These changes include good hydration, good levels of physical activity, eating fruits and vegetables, and making sure that the patients are utilizing the over-the-counter medications when needed.