The use of opioids in chronic non-cancer pain is associated with significant risks. Optimization of non-opioid pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacologic therapy is strongly recommended. Treatment with opioids is not superior to treatment with non-opioid medications in improving pain-related function over 12 months in patients with moderate to severe hip, knee or back pain due to osteoarthritis.
Sources:
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.