An estimated 3% to 4% of adults in the United States use opioids long-term to help manage chronic pain. Evidence is accumulating that the use of non-opioid strategies may provide equal or more effective pain relief with lower risks than opioids for most patients with chronic pain. Also, the benefits of long-term opioid therapy often diminish over time while the risks may not.
In October, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a guide to help clinicians reduce risks and improve outcomes related to opioid dose reduction or discontinuation among patients prescribed opioids to manage pain, particularly chronic pain. The HHS Guide for Clinicians on the Appropriate Dosage Reduction or Discontinuation of Long-Term Opioid Analgesics emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making with patients, individualized and slow tapering, and integrated pain management and behavioral support for patients.
During this COCA Call, presenters will discuss the HHS guide and the advice it provides to clinicians who are contemplating or initiating a reduction in opioid dosage or discontinuation of long-term opioid therapy for a patient with chronic pain.
Please note: The slides for this presentation will be posted on the call page under the “Call Materials” tab.
