Opioids are a type of chemical that is used for pain relief. These powerful chemicals may be used for acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term use) pain. Commonly prescribed medications include morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, tramadol, and fentanyl.
Common side-effects of opioid use include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness and dizziness
- Confusion
- Depression
Signs and Symptoms of an opioid overdose include:
- ‘Pinpoint Pupils’
- Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Pale, blue, or cold skin
If you are worried that opioids may be unsafe to use or may cause adverse side effects, talk to your physician or pharmacist about other alternative options. Many alternative medications for pain management are available, including both non-prescription and prescription. Discussing these options with your provider will ensure the safest approach to your pain management is achieved and will improve the chance of optimizing your treatment goals.
The opioid risk survey is offered to patients that fill an opioid prescription at a participating ONE Program pharmacy. The survey assists the pharmacist in adequately performing the medication consultation session with you. By completing the survey, the pharmacist can better identify a patient that may have an increased risk of unwanted adverse effects from opioids. It allows the pharmacist to relay important safety information to the patient with the goal of reducing harmful outcomes during opioid use.
Great question! As more research is conducted about the use of opioids, medical professionals are continually learning more about the negative and positive effects that opioids can cause. As this recent research is continually changing, providers are learning more about the unwanted side effects and long-term effects of opioid use. This extra caution is necessary for your safety and well-being to ensure the best possible medical care is achieved from your clinic and pharmacy.
Pharmacy interns or technicians can introduce the patient intake form to patients presenting with opioid prescriptions. These staff members can also assist in filling the form out if language/literacy/vision barriers exist in certain patients. We do recommend that the pharmacist evaluate the form for interventions and naloxone prescribing if deemed necessary dependent on situation. Pharmacy interns and technicians can enter all information from the outcomes worksheet into REDCap.
If you want to learn more about opioids and reduce harmful outcomes from opioid use, please visit the following resources.
Preventing an opioid overdose:
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/patients/Preventing-an-Opioid-Overdose-Tip-Card-a.pdf
Promoting safer pain management:
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/Guidelines_Factsheet-Patients-a.pdf
What you need to know about prescription opioids:
https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/pdf/AHA-Patient-Opioid-Factsheet-a.pdf