Opioids are one treatment option for moderate to severe pain

Opioids are a type of medicine that are generally prescribed to manage pain, either by themselves or in combination with other treatments. The information contained in this web site does not replace talking with your healthcare provider about your pain treament options including medication.

What is a long-acting opioid?

Long-acting opioids are a type of pain medicine used for moderate to severe chronic pain that lasts most of the day. They are sometimes called “controlled-release” or “extended-release” because the medicine is gradually released into the body over an 8-24 hour period or longer. Long-acting opioids are usually taken at regularly scheduled times, such as every 12 hours. OPANA^® ER is an example of a long-acting opioid.

How do long-acting opioids differ from short-acting opioids?

Compared to long-acting opioids, short-acting opioids are primarily used to treat acute pain and are taken as needed. Short-acting opioids may be used alone or combined with opioid or non-opioid analgesics. OPANA^® is an example of a short-acting opioid.

What is the risk of becoming addicted to a long-acting opioid?

Addiction is defined as compulsive drug seeking that is beyond a person’s voluntary control even it if may cause harm. Most doctors who treat patients with pain agree that patients treated with prolonged opioid medicines usually do not become addicted. Physical dependence, which is different from addiction, may develop when taking opioids for pain relief for a long time. This means that your body adapts to the drug and you will have withdrawal symptoms if the medicine is stopped or decreased suddenly. Taking opioids for pain relief is NOT addiction.

To learn more about opioids, please download our brochure, Information on Taking a Long-Acting Opioid.