Prolonged-release opioids: indication for relief of post-operative pain removed
Drug safety update: The MHRA has published a drug safety update on prolonged-release opioids.
Published: 13 March 2025
The Medicines and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published a drug safety update on prolonged-release opioids. The indication for the treatment of post-operative pain has been removed from the licences of all prolonged release opioids due to the increased risk of persistent post-operative opioid use (PPOU) and opioid-induced ventilatory impairment (OIVI).
Further information and advice can be found on the MHRA website.