Prolonged-release opioids: Removal of indication for relief of post-operative pain

13th Mar 2025

MHRA Drug Safety Update

Prolonged-release opioids: Removal of indication for relief of post-operative pain

The indication for the treatment of post-operative pain has been removed from the licences of all prolonged release opioids. These opioids should not be used post-operatively due to the increased risk of persistent post-operative opioid use (PPOU) and opioid-induced ventilatory impairment (OIVI). It is not recommended to use transdermal patches for the treatment of post-operative pain.