Fentanyl is a powerful opioid prescribed for severe pain that can also be used for non-medical purposes. Recent data suggest the extent of fentanyl use varies across Australia, with elevated consumption levels in some regional areas.

This bulletin reports on opioid, amphetamine, and cocaine-induced deaths in Australia up until 2016, as provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) using data from the National Coronial Information System (NCIS). Data for 2015 and 2016 are not final, as the ABS applies a revisions process to coroner certified deaths.

These guidelines provide clinical guidance and policy direction for opioid treatment in New South Wales. They align with national directions and recommendations, and incorporate the latest clinical evidence.

America’s opioid crisis won’t be solved by the Mexican wall and capital punishment. Meanwhile, deaths keep rising, and Australia isn’t immune, writes Lesley Russell.

Health Minister Greg Hunt claims advice from the Therapeutic Goods Administration states that up to 100 lives a year could be saved by making codeine products prescription-only. But the NSW Pharmacy Guild says there's no evidence to support this.