SafeScript NSW can assist practitioners in making informed clinical decisions. It is recommended practitioners continue to check SafeScript NSW for evidence of alerts or other issues related to the prescribing or supply of high-risk monitored medicines.
The NSW Ministry of Health recommends that prescribing is in accordance with currently published and approved Product Information (PI), recommendations from the RANZCP, RACP and RACGP, best practice guidelines and current evidence-based medicine standards and that practitioners work within their scope of practice. Treatment should be in accordance with a management plan, which considers all available treatment options, including non-pharmacological strategies.
Applicants are advised to consider if the patient would benefit from a review by an addiction medicine specialist to manage any perceived drug dependence concerns.
Applicants can contact experienced clinical advisors and addiction medicine specialists to obtain general clinical advice and support when managing patients with drug and alcohol issues, by calling the free Drug & Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service (DASAS) in the Metropolitan Area: (02) 8382 1006; in Regional, Rural & Remote NSW areas: 1800 023 687, available 24/7. This advice line cannot provide support for an application for an approval.
The NSW Ministry of Health does not endorse self-administration of injectable opioids or administration by family members.
For Opioid prescribing recommendations in General Practice, as published by ACI Pain Management Network, and for more information about the role of opioids in chronic non-cancer pain and further resources go to the ACI website.
Oral Morphine Equivalent Daily Dose (oMEDD) is the opioid dosage as compared to oral morphine. To calculate the oMEDD go to Opioid dose equivalence calculation table or visit Opioid Calculator.
Please ensure all opioid medications currently used by the patient are included when calculating Total oMEDD.
Further information is available on the Pharmaceutical Services website.