The City has created a number of resources that healthcare providers can use when considering prescribing opioids.
The Department of Public Health has also been working with public and private health insurers to establish safer opioid prescribing policies and policies that improve access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
See the resources below and visit these pages to learn how to prescribe and dispense buprenorphine and naloxone:
- Overview of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)
- Certification of Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs)
- Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association (PPA)
| Name | Description | Released | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opioid Guidelines PDF | Department of Public Health guidelines to help surgeons and other physicians manage patient expectations, maximize the use of nonopioid pain treatments, and limit the duration of opioid use. | December 19, 2018 | |
| Opioid Guidelines (Background for Surgeons) PDF | Background data supporting the Department of Public Health’s guidelines for the prescription of opioids. | December 19, 2018 | |
| Opioid Prescribing Guidelines PDF | This flyer outlines the Department of Public Health's opioid prescribing guidelines for health care providers who are considering prescribing opioids. | July 27, 2018 | |
| Opioid Prescribing Guidelines for OB/GYNs PDF | These guidelines, which are based on studies of analgesic needs post-operatively, attempt to balance the benefits and risks of opioids. | June 12, 2020 | |
| Opioid Prescribing Guidelines for OB/GYNs (expanded version) PDF | This document explains in detail the opioid prescribing recommendations for OB/GYNs. | June 12, 2020 | |
| Opioid Tapering Guidelines PDF | Department of Public Health guidelines written for health care providers to help people taper off opioids. | July 27, 2018 | |
| Managing Pain After Surgery PDF | This patient information flyer includes tips for managing pain after surgery, including many ways your health care team can help manage your pain without prescribing opioids. | July 9, 2019 | |
| Managing Chronic Pain PDF | This patient information flyer includes tips for managing chronic pain, including the use of non-opioid pain medications and non-medication treatments | February 24, 2021 | |
| Naloxone Available Here Sign PDF | All retail pharmacies in Philadelphia are required to display a sign issued by the Department of Public Health indicating that naloxone is available there. | February 27, 2019 |