Taking Narcotics Safely

Am I taking a long acting drug or an extended release drug? Take extra care if you are taking a long acting or extended release drug.

Make sure you know why you are taking the drug. Ask the doctor, "What does this drug treat?"

Make sure you know the right dose and when you should take the drug. Ask the doctor, "How much should I take? When do I need to take this drug?" Learn if this drug is only for very bad pain and what you should take for mild pain.

Make sure you look at any color and markings on the drug. This can help you make sure you have the right drug if you refill the drug. Ask at the pharmacy if the drugs look different after a refill.

Keep your drugs in the containers they came in. Do not mix drugs in the same container.

Take your drugs safely: ‚

Always read the label on the container. Do this each time before you take a drug to be sure you have the right one.
Do not crush, chew, or break any pills or capsules unless your doctor tells you to. Do not cut drug patches unless your doctor or pharmacist says it is OK.
If you are taking a liquid drug, make sure to use the measuring device that came with the drug. Using other spoons or cups could cause an error in the amount of drug you are taking.
If you are in the hospital, make sure anyone who is giving you drugs checks your ID band first. This will keep you from getting someone elses drugs.
Take drugs only as directed. If you feel you need more of a drug to help your pain or need to take the drug sooner than ordered, call your doctor right away.
Narcotics are habit forming. Take them only as needed.
Know how you react to your drugs. You may be unsteady on your feet and have problems walking. Do not drive while taking narcotics.

Store your drugs safely: ‚

Keep drugs that come in tubes, like cream or ointment, away from other products like toothpaste. This can help avoid a serious mistake.
Store drugs away from direct sunlight. Do not store drugs in places where there is lots of humidity like in a bathroom. Your drugs may be less effective.
Do not store your drugs with other family members' drugs. Use separate areas or shelves to avoid mistakes.
Make sure narcotics are kept in a secure place, away from visitors and out of reach of children and pets.

What are the causes?

You may be harmed if you: ‚

Take a drug at the wrong time
Take too much of a drug
Take the wrong drug
Take drugs not prescribed for you
Take over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs together
Have more than one prescription for the same kind of drug

When do I need to call the doctor?

Signs of an overdose. These include very slow breathing, shallow breathing or no breathing, unable to awaken patient, slurred speech. Call for emergency help right away.
Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call for emergency help right away.
If you feel you are having side effects from a drug. In the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
If you have started taking a new drug and notice changes in the way you feel, like feeling dizzy or confused
If you have questions about any of the drugs you take
You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Helpful tips

Make sure all of your doctors know about every drug you are taking. Give them the list of your drugs. Ask if any new drugs will interact with your current drugs.
Let all doctors know about any drug allergies you have.
If you have a very bad allergy, wear an allergy ID at all times.
Never share your drugs. Never take anyone elses drugs.
Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
Read the drug package insert for more details.
When in doubt, ask questions before taking any drug.

Where can I learn more?

The Joint Commission ‚
http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/speakup_brochure_meds.pdf ‚
National Council on Patient Education and Information ‚
http://www.talkaboutrx.org/assocdocs/TASK/489/safe_storage_BW.pdf ‚
National Institute on Drug Abuse ‚
http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/topics-in-brief/prescription-drug-abuse ‚
U.S. Food and Drug Administration ‚
http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm095673.htm ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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