Drug Safety Update - March 2025
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published Drug Safety Update for March 2025 (PDF).
This issue advises healthcare professionals that indication for the treatment of post-operative pain has been removed from the licences of all prolonged release opioids due to the increased risk of persistent post-operative opioid use (PPOU) and opioid-induced ventilatory impairment (OIVI). Hospitals are recommended to explain the risks before operative procedures. At discharge, a pain management plan should be shared with the primary care and the patient should be provided with an adequate supply of immediate-release opioids to treat acute post-operative pain to minimise the risk of PPOU, dependence, stock piling of unused opioids and potential for diversion. Primary care clinicians should be vigilant for post-operative opioid use and ensure that pain management plans are reviewed and implemented accordingly including the plan for end of treatment.
Action: Clinicians should be aware of this month's new guidance and implement any necessary changes to practice.
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