MMWR Vol. 65 / Early Release ► CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain — United States, 2016 | MMWR

CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain — United States, 2016 | MMWR

MMWR Early Release Vol. 65, Early Release March 15, 2016

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CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain — United States, 2016 
Deborah Dowell, MD; Tamara M. Haegerich, PhD; Roger Chou, MD.
MMWR Recomm Rep 2016;(Early Release):1–49

This guideline provides recommendations for primary care providers who are prescribing 

opioids for chronic pain outside of active cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life 

care. The guideline addresses 1) when to initiate or continue opioids for chronic pain; 2) 

opioid selection, dosage, duration, follow-up, and discontinuation; and 3) assessing risk 

and addressing harms of opioid use. This guideline is intended to improve communication

between providers and patients about the risks and benefits of opioid therapy for chronic 

pain, improve the safety and effectiveness of pain treatment, and reduce the risks associated 

with long-term opioid therapy, including abuse, dependence, overdose, and death.