Opioids to Treat Chronic Non-Cancer Pain (cncp)
About this resource
The use of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain.
RACGP position
Although opioid analgesics have historically been commonly used in chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP), they can cause significant patient harms.
There is limited evidence to support opioids as a treatment for CNCP and there is no evidence to suggest long-term benefits for treating patients with opioids.
The RACGP advises that long-term opioid use in CNCP should not be common, must be undertaken with caution and must be based on consideration of the likely risks and benefits.