A call to action: how can we better implement recommendations for non‐routine use of modified‐release opioid formulations?

Abstract

We recently published an article [1] on how discharge opioid type can impact rates of persistent postoperative opioid use, while controlling for a range of other wellestablished risk factors for persistence such as formulation of opioid. We welcome the correspondence from Pearcy et al. [2] and Lui et al. [3] who have written in response. One common theme in these two letters is the reiteration that modified-release formulations are a risk factor for persistence, and are thus contraindicated for routine postsurgical use, especially for opioid-naive patients. We would like to state that at no point do we suggest modified-release formulations should be routinely used, although note that this is still common.