The HSE-Medicines Management Programme (MMP) has published guidance to support the appropriate prescribing of opioids in the management of chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP).

The guidance:

• highlights the potential harms associated with the use of opioids
• summarises international recommendations on initiation and review of opioids in the management of CNCP
• reviews the utilisation of strong opioids on the Community Drug Schemes over a ten-year period.

The guidance document also provides practice points to consider in relation to initiation, continuation and discontinuation of opioids in the management of CNCP.

The MMP highlights the following in relation to the use of opioids in the management of CNCP:

Prior to initiation of opioids for CNCP, prescribers should ensure that individuals understand the expected benefit and risk of harms, and agree treatment goals, a review strategy and a plan for discontinuation.

Resources to support the appropriate prescribing of opioids in the management of CNCP are located below: 

• MMP Guidance on appropriate prescribing of opioids in the management of chronic non-cancer pain (PDF, size 1.34 MB, 46 pages)
• Prescribing Tips and Tools for Opioids in the Management of Chronic Non-Cancer Pain (PDF, 766 KB, 2 pages)