Prescription opioid safety

Prescription opioids can provide significant relief from moderate to severe pain when taken appropriately under a doctor’s supervision. They do this by lowering the level of pain signals that get to the brain. While these medications can be an important part of managing pain, they also have some risks. When they are not used appropriately or they aren’t monitored carefully, they can be dangerous.

Types of pain — Acute vs. chronic

Pain is a common problem, and everyone responds to it differently. Depending on the type of pain you experience, your doctor may prescribe different treatment options.

Know your options — Alternatives to opioids

Opioids are only one of the treatment options for managing pain. The following pain management options have fewer risks and side effects:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen)
• Physical therapy and exercise
• Heat and cold therapy
• Stretching exercises
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Acupuncture
• Massage

Know the risks and side effects

If you’re prescribed opioids for pain, talk to your doctor about the benefits, risks, side effects, and alternatives. It’s important to work with your doctor to ensure you get the safest, most effective care possible.

• Work with your doctor to create a plan to manage your pain effectively.
• Always follow your doctor’s directions.
• Avoid taking opioids with alcohol or medications that can cause drowsiness.

Help prevent opioid misuse and abuse

We all need to do our part to understand the dangers of prescription opioids. Some of the most important steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones from opioid misuse include:

• Never sell or share prescription opioids
• Never use another person’s prescription opioids
• Always store prescription opioids out of reach of children, family, friends, and visitors, such as in a locked cabinet
• Safely dispose of unused prescription opioids:
  • Ask your pharmacist about safe drug-disposal options in your area.
  • Find your community drug take-back program or your pharmacy mail-back program.
  • Refer to fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/where-and-how-dispose-unused-medicines.

Learn more about the risks of opioid abuse and overdose, visit cdc.gov/drugoverdose.