Question

A 54-year-old man with chronic low back pain and no red flags requests strong opioids from his GP. He is already on regular paracetamol and occasional ibuprofen. According to opioid stewardship principles in Australian primary care, what is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Explain limited role of long-term opioids and focus on non-pharmacological strategies such as exercise and psychological therapies

Answer

Initiate long-acting oxycodone for chronic non-cancer pain

Answer

Prescribe codeine-containing analgesics indefinitely

Answer

Arrange immediate spinal MRI and neurosurgical referral

Answer

Provide benzodiazepines in addition to opioids

Practice question

A 54-year-old man with chronic low back pain and no red flags requests strong opioids from his GP. He is already on regular paracetamol and occasional ibuprofen. According to opioid stewardship principles in Australian primary care, what is the most appropriate next step?