A pharmacist initiative to reduce opioid prescribing in primary care
- 3 November 2025
- journal article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in International Journal of Pharmacy Practice
- Vol. 34 (3) , 325-327
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led primary care review clinic on reducing opioid prescribing. Methods: Retrospective analysis of routinely collected opioid prescription data for patients using strong opioids for pain at a practice with high social deprivation and staffed mainly by locum GPs. Key findings: Forty-seven patients were reviewed. The median opioid dose before review was 80 mg oral morphine equivalent. After intervention, the median dose was 30 mg. Thirty-seven (78.7%) patients had reduced doses or discontinued opioids. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: A pharmacist-led clinic aimed at reducing opioid medication appears feasible and effective.Keywords
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