Abstract
The use of prescription opioids for the control of chronic non-cancer pain has become a focus of lively discussion in Japan since the approval of a fentanyl transdermal system for the indication of non-cancer chronic pain was obtained in January 2010. Meanwhile, a large body of evidence and guidelines concerning pharmacotherapy including prescription opioids has been presented in Europe and the United States, wherein the usefulness and methods of use of prescription opioids as second-line and third-line drugs are detailed. Prescription opioids are widely used for the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain, but problems regarding adverse reactions, dependence, liability, etc. have also been pointed out. When properly used in appropriate patients, prescription opioids may become powerful tools for those who have long been suffering from chronic pain. Generation of a guideline for pharmacotherapy including the use of prescription opioids is anticipated in Japan as well.
