Opioid analgesics are prescribed for moderate to severe pain, particularly of visceral origin. Evidence of efficacy and safety is strongest for use in acute pain and cancer-related pain.2 They are used in step two and step three of the World Health Organization (WHO) cancer pain ladder.3 Dependence and tolerance are well-known features with regular use although this should not necessarily inhibit prescribing in palliative care.4 Some people with chronic non-malignant conditions benefit from analgesic control with opioids, but prescribing should be reviewed regularly.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://patient.info/doctor/drug-therapy/opioid-analgesics