Information for adults and families
Prescription opioids are medicines used to help relieve severe pain. They are often prescribed after a surgery or injury or for certain health problems. Some common opioid medicines are codeine, hydrocodone, methadone, morphine, and oxycodone.
These medicines can be an important part of treatment. They also come with serious risks. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to make sure you are getting the safest, most effective care.
Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to manage your pain without opioids. Other methods may actually work better and have fewer risks and side effects. Options may include the following:
The biggest risks of prescription opioids are addiction and overdose. Risks are higher when you use them for a longer time. An opioid overdose can cause slowed breathing and sudden death.
Prescription opioids can have serious side effects, even when taken as directed. These may include the following:
Find your community drug take-back program or your pharmacy mail-back program.
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