Canadian Guideline for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain

Narcotics, or opioid drugs, are increasingly being used to treat pain. In November 2007, Canadian medical regulatory colleges formed the National Opioid Use Guideline Group (NOUGG) to create a Canadian guideline for guidance on how to manage opioid prescription. The Institute for Work & Health contributed to the systematic research review leading to the guideline.

This guideline aims to provide physicians with information to prescribe opioids safely and effectively to patients with chronic non-cancer pain. Pharmacists, nurses and dentists may also find it useful.

The Canadian Guideline for Safe and Effective Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain, and other related documents, are available at: http://nationalpaincentre.mcmaster.ca/opioid.

Authors: National Opioid Use Guideline Group (NOUGG)

Published: 2010