The CDC has issued guidance recommending the use of non-opioid pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen, for most chronic pain; limiting opioid prescriptions for acute pain to three to seven days; prescribing the lowest possible effective dose; and giving patients immediate-release formulations, among other measures designed to limit abuse of the highly addictive pain drugs. The guidelines do not apply to patients with active cancer, those receiving end-of-life care or patients recovering from surgery. The guidelines are nonbinding but are expected to influence medical practice as opioid abuse has become more prevalent.

Source: CDC Issues Guidelines to Limit Opioid Painkiller Prescriptions – WSJ