Modified-release opioids in acute post-operative pain: MHRA safety update

About this event

This webinar will explore the implications of the March 2025 MHRA guidance advising against the use of modified-release (MR) opioids for post-surgical pain management. NHS Trusts are adapting clinical practice to align with this recommendation. The session will share early experiences and approaches to reducing MR opioid use after surgery. An expert panel including Dr Jane Quinlan, Consultant anaesthetist, Oxford University Hospitals, Professor Roger Knaggs, Clinical academic pharmacist in pain and President of the British Pain Society, and Mrs Jacqueline Morris, Lead surgical pharmacist, Manchester University Hospitals, will discuss practice changes and answer audience questions.

Aim

The aim of this webinar is to provide attendees with an understanding of the clinical and safety implications of the March 2025 MHRA guidance on modified-release (MR) opioids in post-surgical pain management, and to explore how prescribing practices are evolving across NHS settings in response.

Target audience

This webinar is ideal for pharmacists across hospital, community, general practice, and academic settings seeking to understand the MHRA guidance on modified-release opioids and evolving NHS prescribing practice.

Learning outcomes

After this webinar, attendees should be able to:

• Discuss the rationale behind the MHRA guidance advising against the use of MR opioids for acute post-operative pain. 
• Describe changes implemented within NHS organisations to reduce or avoid MR opioid prescribing after surgery. 
• Reflect on practical strategies and multidisciplinary approaches to optimise post-operative pain management in line with current guidance.

Booking information

Registration will close at midnight on 07 June 2026 or earlier if maximum capacity is reached. Should this event not reach its minimum number, the UKCPA reserves the right to cancel the webinar.

Please note that this meeting will take place on Microsoft Teams and will be recorded. By signing up and joining, you consent to being recorded and understand that you may be identifiable in the recording.

If you are not a member of UKCPA but wish to attend this event either as a guest or by applying for UKCPA membership in order to attend this webinar as part of your membership package, your guest account or membership application must be completed at least 10 working days in advance of the registration deadline.  Please note that the administration and activation of membership or guest accounts can take up to 7 working days.

Access to the recording of this webinar and any slides made available by the speaker are released as a member benefit.  Guest account attendees are not eligible to access or receive the post event resources.  If you are a guest account holder and wish to access the recording and any resources, please upgrade to full UKCPA membership.