CDC Releases Draft Guidelines For Doctors To Reduce Painkiller Prescriptions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released draft guidelines for physicians who prescribe opioid painkillers, which call for a more conservative approach to the drugs’ use. The guidelines recommend doctors treat chronic pain with methods such as physical therapy and non-opioid painkillers before prescribing opioids. If doctors choose to prescribe opioids, they should select short-acting versions instead of extended release formulations, the guidelines recommend. Doctors should also prescribe the lowest possible dose, for shorter periods. Doctors should ask patients to undergo urine testing before they receive an opioid prescription, and to take additional urine tests . . .