Chronic opioid therapy can be an effective therapy for carefully selected and monitored patients with chronic noncancer pain. Although the use of chronic opioid therapy has increased substantially, they are also associated with potentially serious adverse effects and outcomes . In this regard, The American Pain Society and the American Academy of Pain Medicine have published a review including evidence-based guidelines on chronic opioid therapy (COT) for chronic noncancer pain.
Clinical Guideline Recommendations Patient Selection and Risk Stratification Before initiating COT, clinicians should conduct a history, physical examination and appropriate testing, including an assessment of the risk of substance abuse, misuse, or addiction. Clinicians may consider a trial of COT as an option if chronic noncancer patients are moderate or severe, pain is having an adverse impact on function or…
