Evaluation of abnormal urine drug screens among patients with chronic non-malignant pain treated with opioids

Abstract

Opioids are commonly used in chronic pain management. Their role in chronic pain is met with controversy, with reports of abuse. Many studies have shown that urine drug screens can detect inappropriate opioid use or illicit drug use among patients receiving opioids for chronic pain. In this study, failed urine drug screens of 89 patients in an interventional pain management practice were analyzed. The results showed that 55% were not taking the prescribed opioid, whereas 39% were taking opioids which were not prescribed. In addition, 46% of the patients were using illicit drugs. Urine drug screens can be very useful in preventing opioid abuse. Along with illicit drug use, not taking the opioid as prescribed or taking other opioids which are not prescribed can also be detected.