![](https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2317/files/2019/04/CPT110450711.jpg)
Ontario government agency urges doctors to use caution when prescribing opioids
TORONTO — An Ontario government agency is urging the province’s doctors to be mindful of prescription strength and length when putting patients on a new course of opioids.
Health Quality Ontario has issued a report tracking the number of opioid prescriptions given to patients who had not been using the powerful painkillers for at least six months.
The report found slight declines in the number of doctors prescribing opioids at high doses as well as the number issuing prescriptions for longer than seven days.
But the organization says both practices are still taking place and urges doctors to think carefully before including opioids as part of a treatment plan for such patients.