THRIFTY WHITE PHARMACY COMMUNITY HEALTH CORNER What do you know about opioids? Should I be worried about myself or loved-one using prescription opioid medications? Prescription opioids are medications that are used for pain management following surgery. accidents, and occasionally chronic pain relief. Opioids are indicated for moderate to severe pain relief and may pose a risk of serious side effects. One of the most concerning drawbacks to opioid use is the risk of overdose. Thrifty White Pharmacy has implemented several programs to help optimize patient safety during opioid utilization. These include educational tools to assist the pharmacist in enhanced medication counseling and prevention of adverse side effects that may be associated with opioid medications. This additional education helps your pharmacist communicate techniques for optimal medication usage and ways to prevent accidental overdose. These are examples of what your pharmacist may discuss with you during opioid medication use: 1. How to dispose of your opioid medication once your treatment is completed 2. The possibility of filling only a portion of your pain medication and returning to redill the remaining portion only if you need to continue therapy 3. How to prevent accidental opioid overdose and ways to aid in preventing side effects during treatment. 4. Educating you and your significant other about identifying symptoms relating to 'too much' pain medication use during treatment. opioid overdose with your physician about alternative pain medications that may be safer for you 5. Options for obtaining emergency medication (naloxone) to have at home for reversal of accidentat 6. If you do not feel comfortable using an opioid, the pharmacist can also communicate What individuals have a higher risk of accidental overdose to opioid medications? 1. Male gender 2. Older age 3. Using opioids while treating certain medical conditions (ie. asthma, depression, liver disease, sleep apnea, or COPD 4. Using high prescribed doses of opioids 5. Using certain medications with opioids (ie. sleeping medication or muscle relaxers) ONER 2018 It is estimated that up to 30% of individuals that use opioid medications are at risk for accidental overdose. Talk with you Thrifty White Pharmacist today! O Employee Owned 211 Market Drive Inside Central Market Perham, MN PHARMACY (218) 346480 Pharmacy Hours: Mon - Fri:9am 6pm . Sat: 9am -5pm. Sun: CLOSED BUY ONLNElineDruastore www.onlinedrugstore.com welnch piel.coOOO