Question

A 45-year-old woman with chronic low back pain due to degenerative disc disease requests long-term opioid therapy, stating that paracetamol and NSAIDs provide only partial relief. She works full-time and has no major mental health history. According to Australian prescribing guidance, what is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Explain that long-term opioids have limited benefit in chronic non-cancer pain and focus on multidisciplinary non-opioid approaches, reserving opioids for carefully selected short-term use

Answer

Commence high-dose sustained-release opioids immediately as requested

Answer

Provide unlimited repeat opioid prescriptions to maintain patient satisfaction

Answer

Recommend cannabis oil as the primary evidence-based alternative

Answer

Refuse any pain management and discharge her from the practice

Practice question