Loading...
Opioids are commonly used to treat noncancer pain but have limited effectiveness, as compared with placebo or nonopioid analgesics, and are associated with an increased risk of harm.
Clinicians should consider deprescribing opioids when their potential harms outweigh their potential benefits. Patients should share in the decision making and take part in the process of creating a plan that is tailored to their circumstances, goals, and preferences. A deprescribing plan that does not consider the patient’s needs can worsen outcomes and lead to serious harm.
Key strategies for opioid deprescribing (see ) include forming an agreed-on and individualized deprescribing plan with the patient that includes tailored and gradual dose r…