Abstract
Chronic pain and prescription opioid use are prevalent among patients with end-stage kidney disease treated with hemodialysis. Vulnerabilities to complications from opioid use are high in this patient population, as shown in many recent, well-conducted, patient-oriented studies. Such studies have highlighted the need for a balanced approach to pain management in hemodialysis patients that includes careful assessment of the risks and benefits of opioid prescriptions in this population. In this article, we review the available literature and experience regarding opioid prescriptions among hemodialysis patients, discuss clinical implications, and outline ongoing research.