Question

A 62-year-old woman with chronic low back pain secondary to osteoarthritis has been on long-term opioid therapy. Her current dose is equivalent to 120 mg morphine per day. According to the 2017 Canadian guideline for opioid therapy in chronic non-cancer pain, which statement is most consistent with best practice?

Accepted Answer

Doses above 90 mg morphine equivalents per day should generally be avoided or carefully justified

Answer

There is no upper safe dose limit for chronic opioid therapy

Answer

Opioids are first-line therapy for chronic non-cancer pain in all patients

Answer

Dose escalation should continue until complete pain relief is achieved

Answer

Abrupt discontinuation is recommended for all patients above 90 mg morphine equivalents

Practice question