Question

A 60-year-old with severe osteoarthritis asks about chronic opioid therapy for noncancer pain. Best general recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Use nonpharmacologic/nonopioid therapies first; if opioids, use lowest effective dose and reassess benefits/risks

Answer

Start long-acting opioids as first-line

Answer

Trial short-acting opioids before nonopioids

Answer

Target pain score 0 with escalating doses

Answer

Co-prescribe benzodiazepines for sleep

Practice question

A 60-year-old with severe osteoarthritis asks about chronic opioid therapy for noncancer pain. Best general recommendation?