Experiences with the prescription of opioids: a patient questionnaire

Forty-three German patients who had been treated with strong opioids were questioned about their experiences during therapy. The prescription of opioids was well accepted by most patients. Some, however, felt stigmatized by taking opioids. Fourteen patients (33%) were asked by their relatives, friends, or other patients about the special prescription form. Six patients (14%) had difficulties in redeeming the prescription at the pharmacy, seven patients (16%) were warned against taking the medication by the pharmacist, 21 patients observed that their general practitioner (GP) was mistrustful about the treatment, and 16 patients (37%) reported that the GP terminated the therapy. Despite the beneficial effect for the patient, opioid treatment started and supervised in a pain clinic is not always continued by the GP. In Germany, it may not be possible to administer opioid therapy outside of a specialized pain clinic. In those few cases in which an opioid therapy is successfully instituted, difficulties continue due to prejudices, insufficient education, and complicated prescription laws.