OPIOID DISPENSING GUIDELINES

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2015 Brought to you by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania & The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association harmacists provide care to patients in various settings, from community stores to clinics and hospitals. Regardless of the location, pharmacists will dispense medications for several pain conditions. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), pharmacists have a corresponding responsibility to that of the provider to ensure all medications are being used for a legitimate medical purpose. Ultimately, the safe and appropriate use of medications forms the backbone of the profession.

Pain can be broken down into two distinct qualities1,2,3 1. When inquiring as to specific pain pathologies, most patients will define the quality of pain into one of two categories. The first is known as nociceptive pain and is usually described as sore, aching, tight or twisting.

  Pain