• Various products are available
• Rarely required for musculoskeletal diseases and should be introduced with caution

Dosage

• Particular attention to dosing instructions of selected medications
• Repeat prescriptions should be avoided

Principle Indications

• Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) but should be reserved for severe, unremitting pain where other analgesics have failed.

Comments

The use of opioids in treating chronic pain remains controversial. However, the weight of evidence suggests that for those in whom chronic pain persists (for whatever reason) judicious use of opioids is indicated. Long-acting opioids supplemented by TYLENOL* (acetaminophen) may be the most useful regimen. May cause nausea/vomiting.