We should treat acute pain.

-First consider non-opiate analgesic.

-In the Emergency Room, don’t prescribe opioids for more than 7 days

-Prescription abuse is a national problem. It is getting worse in Pennsylvania.

-Red Flags: poorly defined injury, refusing non-opiates, refusing labs, insists on which medication works best, well-rehearsed story.

-Lost medication: In most cases, it is not lost.

– Document your treatment plan.

-Use controlled substance database.

– educate patient about the complications of opiates