The issue is “secure the use of opioids without restricting access for patients who need them“, on the bottom of “aging of the population and increase in chronic diseases which promotes the multiplication of painful symptoms“. The HAS makes detailed recommendations for “promote the proper use of opioid analgesics and reduce the number of overdoses” for each situation where these drugs can be prescribed: treatment of chronic non-cancer pain, acute pain, pain related to cancer or even in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Faced with chronic non-cancer pain, the HAS notes that “opioid analgesics should only be considered as a last resort“. “These drugs cannot be prescribed for chronic pelvic or musculoskeletal pain“, nor for migraines, she specifies. When opioids are necessary, she recommends treatment”gradually, with regular reassessments at the start of treatment in order to adjust the dosage and monitor the appearance of adverse effects“.
