Opioids in chronic non-cancer pain: systematic review of efficacy and safety
Opioids are used increasingly for chronic non-cancer pain. Controversy exists about their
effectiveness and safety with long-term use. We analysed available randomised, placebo-
controlled trials of WHO step 3 opioids for efficacy and safety in chronic non-cancer pain.
The Oxford Pain Relief Database (1950–1994) and Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane
Library were searched until September 2003. Inclusion criteria were randomised
comparisons of WHO step 3 opioids with placebo in chronic non-cancer pain. Double-blind …
effectiveness and safety with long-term use. We analysed available randomised, placebo-
controlled trials of WHO step 3 opioids for efficacy and safety in chronic non-cancer pain.
The Oxford Pain Relief Database (1950–1994) and Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane
Library were searched until September 2003. Inclusion criteria were randomised
comparisons of WHO step 3 opioids with placebo in chronic non-cancer pain. Double-blind …