Responsible prescribing practices

July 19, 2019

Charlotte Pickett, MD

Pain relief can be life changing for patients with chronic pain, but ob/gyns need to be mindful of how to prescribe medication properly.

Prescribe only in situations where the pain is very likely to improve with time and additional treatments.

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Counsel patients as to risks and signs of tolerance, dependence, and opioid-induced hyperlagesia.

For more on opioids: ‘Policing’ pregnant women during the opioid epidemic

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Counsel regarding safe use, such as avoiding taking during any activity in which sedation would cause risk of harm to self or others and storing safely and securely.

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Clearly definine and document the prescribing relationship (opioid contract).

Utilize a prescription monitoring database.

Closely montitor for abuse/diversion (dosing adjustments without discussion, lost prescriptions, additional substance abuse).

Consider suboxone in cases of comorbid depression/concern for overdose.

Concurrently consult with a pain specialist.

Responsible prescribing practices

Nicholas Andrews, MD, PhD

Charlotte Pickett, MD