Opiate and Controlled Drugs Policy

At Campus View Medical Centre, our priority is to provide safe, evidence-based, and compassionate care. We follow the latest NHS and NICE guidance regarding the use of opioid (morphine-type) painkillers and other controlled drugs.

Our Approach

• We do not start patients on long-term opioid or controlled drug prescriptions for non-cancer pain.

• Evidence shows that, for most chronic (long-term) non-cancer pain, these medicines do not improve pain or quality of life in the long term, and can cause significant harm.

• These risks include:

  • Dependence and withdrawal symptoms

  • Worsening pain sensitivity

  • Low mood and depression

  • Increased risk of falls, overdose, and early death

Which Medicines Does This Policy Apply To?

This policy covers opioid painkillers and other controlled drugs that carry a high risk of dependence and harm when used long-term for non-cancer pain.

These include (but are not limited to):

Strong Opioids

• Morphine (Zomorph, MST, Sevredol, Oramorph)

• Oxycodone (OxyContin, Oxynorm)

• Fentanyl (patches or lozenges)

• Buprenorphine (patches, Subutex, Temgesic)

• Methadone (when used for pain relief)

Weaker Opioids

• Codeine (including co-codamol, Solpadeine, Nurofen Plus)

• Dihydrocodeine (DF118, DHC Continus)

• Tramadol

Other Controlled Drugs With Similar Risk Profiles

• Pregabalin and Gabapentin (gabapentinoids – sometimes used for nerve pain)

• Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (e.g. diazepam, temazepam, lorazepam, zopiclone, zolpidem) — when used for pain, sleep, or anxiety long-term

If You Are Already Taking Opiates or Controlled Drugs

• If you join our practice and are already on these medicines for non-cancer pain, we will work with you to review and gradually reduce (wean) your dose.

• This process will be done safely and supportively, and we will offer guidance on alternative pain management strategies such as physiotherapy, non-opioid medicines, and lifestyle approaches.

• Once you have successfully come off long-term opioids, we will reassess your situation and help you find the best way to manage your pain going forward.

Lost or Stolen Medications

• Replacement prescriptions for lost, stolen, or spilled controlled drugs will not be issued.

• This policy is in place to reduce the risk of misuse, diversion, and accidental overdose.

• If medication is reported as lost or stolen, we will:

  • Move to weekly prescriptions to improve safety and monitoring.

  • Accelerate the weaning process as part of a supported review plan.

• Patients are responsible for keeping their medications secure at all times.

If You Prefer Not to Reduce These Medicines

We understand that change can be difficult, but because our commitment is to do no harm, patients who do not wish to engage with a reduction plan for long-term opioid or controlled drug use should not register with this practice.
This reflects our duty to provide care that is safe, responsible, and in line with current medical evidence.

Summary

Our policy is guided by:

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on chronic pain

• NHS England and Public Health England guidance on opioid safety

• The GMC’s Good Medical Practice principles of safe and effective prescribing

We are here to support you through this process and ensure that your care is safe, holistic, and focused on improving your overall wellbeing.