The MR dose of morphine (or any other opioid) should be carefully calculated based on the patient's needs. A number of deaths have occurred recently in patients who had received inappropriate doses. Community pharmacists are in an invaluable position to ensure prescribed doses are safe and appropriate. To reduce dosing errors with opioids, the National Patient Safety Agency recommends that all professionals who prescribe, dispense or administer opioids should:

• Confirm the most recent opioid dose €“ including formulation and frequency of administration, plus any other analgesic medicines prescribed. Be alert for any unexpected dose increases or for mix-ups between MR and IR preparations
• Where the dose is to be increased, confirm the calculated dose increase is safe for the patient. Always check if in doubt and remember to check all daily doses of opioids, including PRN doses
• Gain familiarity with the medicine being prescribed, dispensed or administered €“ including the usual starting dose, frequency of administration and standard dosing increments.