Opioids in chronic non-cancer pain are associated with substantial risks. Optimize non-opioid pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacologic therapy. Opioids are not superior to non-opioid medications for pain-related function over 12 months in moderate to severe hip or knee osteoarthritis, or mechanical back pain. Opioids should only be prescribed by physicians skilled in their use.
For more information: Busse JW, et al. Guideline for opioid therapy and chronic noncancer pain. CMAJ. 2017 May 8;189(18):E659-E666. PMID: 28483845.
Krebs EE, et al. Effect of Opioid vs Nonopioid Medications on Pain-Related Function in Patients with Chronic Back Pain or Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis Pain: The SPACE Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2018; 319(9):872–882. PMID: 29509867.