It’s crucial to inquire about your doctor or dentist gives you a new prescription. This is particularly true for opioid pain medication such as hydrocodone Oxycodone, or morphine.
Although these medications have been accepted from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for chronic and acute pain, they could cause serious adverse negative side effects, such as addiction and death.
Opioid misuse has resulted in the current drug overdose problem within the United States. Most overdose deaths in this country are caused by opioids, as per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The FDA provides a few tips to make use of these drugs without risk. Begin by asking your physician what length of time your discomfort is likely to last, and which medication is being prescribed.
If the substance has an addictive component, inquire whether there are alternatives that aren’t opioids.
If your doctor has decided that an opioid is the best choice then ask your doctor what the recommended duration of the drug. Determine when and when to stop taking it. Request the lowest dose available for the period of time and the least amount as the FDA recommends. Also inquire about a follow-up visit.
Although prescription opioids are secure and efficient, using them in a manner different from the way they were prescribed or for reasons other than medical could lead to dependence, addiction, and eventually death, according to the FDA warned.
The effects of opioids can include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, nausea and weakness. Be familiar with the effects that come with opioid use to let you and your family members know when it is time to consult a physician or go to a hospital or dial 911.
Request your pharmacist’s Medication Guide handout that will help you understand more about the prescription you are prescribed.
Reduce the chance of having serious adverse reactions by taking the medication exactly as directed. If you feel any pain, see a doctor and don’t add a dose.
It’s crucial to tell your physician if you have an history of having an addiction to alcohol or drugs or anyone in your family members have suffered from this type of disorder.
Be sure to inform your doctor of any other medications, both over-the-counter and prescription particularly those that are that are prescribed to treat sleep issues, or seizures. These may be a cause of interaction with opioids even if you use these medications only for a short period of time.
If you have children aged between 0 and 12 at home, make sure you have an appropriate lockbox for your medication. Children may accidentally overdose on these substances. It is possible that teenagers and visitors as well as other people in your home could be looking for painkillers, and it’s crucial to be aware according to the FDA said.
The leftover medication must be removed. The FDA provides an inventory of opioid pain drugs which can flush down the drain however, others should be to be disposed of in a drug take back program. Certain pharmacies have on-site medication drop-off bins as well as mail-back programs, and other ways of disposing of the waste safely.
Do not share your medication as it could kill another the FDA advised.
Discuss with your health care physician about naloxone. It is medication that has the potential to reverse any effects caused by an overdose of opioids. It is logical to have a plan.
Certain naloxone products require the use of a prescription. In certain states, customers might be able to purchase the drug from a pharmacist without prescription.
