The pharmacist's role in managing chronic opioid therapy.

Chronic pain is a costly and prevalent problem. Pain, itself, is a symptom. Pain has received attention in the form of health care policy reform, development of assessment tools, and treatment protocols. Chronic pain is an ongoing problem that requires constant monitoring and can be challenging to health care providers and patients. Many barriers exist in treating chronic pain, especially when treating with opioid analgesics. Pharmacists can help in the assessment and treatment of chronic pain. This article discusses the impact of chronic pain, barriers to care, and the role of the pharmacist in managing chronic opioid therapy.