As part of “Stop Overdoses in PA: Get Help Now” week, state officials are emphasizing the importance of properly prescribing opioids.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine says the health department encourages physicians to prescribe opioids only when necessary for severe pain.
“There are a number of different studies that show for minor-to-moderate pain, that actually over-the-counter medicines work as well, if not better, than opioids,” Levine said.
She said patients need to be prescribed the lowest dose for the shortest period of time, “so they don’t become dependent on it,” according to Levine.
The state has 11 prescribing guidelines for physicians and other prescribers to ensure the safe use of opioids. They include guidelines for prescribing opioids for geriatric pain, non-cancer pain and for pediatric and adolescent populations, among others.
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