HHS issues opioid tapering guidance for clinicians

The Department of Health and Human Services today released a guide to help clinicians who are contemplating or initiating a reduction in opioid dosage or discontinuation of long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain. Compiled from published guidelines and practices endorsed in the peer-reviewed literature, the guide reviews issues to consider when changing a patient’s chronic pain therapy. “This Guide provides more resources for clinicians to best help patients achieve the dual goals of effective pain management and reduction in the risk for addiction,” said Adm. Brett Giroir, M.D., HHS assistant secretary for health.