Guidance for oral opioid reduction in primary care

Abstract

Opioids are essential in treating the severe acute pain, and pain associated with cancer and end-of-life; however, in the last 10 years, numerous studies have shown that there is little evidence of benefit for long-term opioids in patients with chronic non-cancer pain as regards pain, quality of life or functioning. Nowadays, there is better understanding of the risks, which include dependence and opioid-related mortality amongst others. For this reason, the International Association for the Study of Pain (ISAP) supports the use and availability of opioids at all ages for the relief of severe pain during short-lived painful events and the end-of-life. Healthcare professionals play an important role in minimizing overuse and overdosing as well as understanding morphine equivalent dosing in an effort to help reduce the likelihood of such potential morbidity and mortality with opioids.