A 45-year-old man with chronic back pain requests strong opioid analgesia from his GP, saying the current weak opioids and NSAIDs are not working. He ...

Question

A 45-year-old man with chronic back pain requests strong opioid analgesia from his GP, saying the current weak opioids and NSAIDs are not working. He has no red-flag features. According to NICE and GMC guidance, what is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Explain the limited role of strong opioids in chronic non-cancer pain, review non-pharmacological options and consider referral to a pain service

Answer

Immediately prescribe long-term strong opioids to maintain the doctor–patient relationship

Answer

Refuse any analgesia

Answer

Provide benzodiazepines for sedation

Answer

Tell him to buy opioids online if he prefers

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Use of strong opioids in chronic non-cancer pain

A 45-year-old man with chronic back pain requests strong opioid analgesia from his GP, saying the current weak opioids and NSAIDs are not working. He has no red-flag features. According to NICE and GMC guidance, what is the most appropriate response?