Using Opioid Medications Safely
What are opioids and why are they a concern?
Opioids are a type of strong pain medication, also known as “narcotics” or “pain” pills. Examples include: morphine, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Taking more opioid pain medicine than you need puts you at risk for side effects, possible overdose, and death. Talk to your healthcare team before making any changes involving your medications.
Don’t take opioids for help with:
Worry, anxiety, or sadness
Relaxation
Any reason other than treating pain
Taking opioids for any reason other than physical pain can lead to addiction. Therefore, it’s essential to take your medication exactly as prescribed.
Tips for using opioids safely
Know your medications: Make sure you know what’s in any medicines you take, whether over-the-counter or prescription. Your physician or pharmacist can help you understand what’s in your prescription and what you can or can’t take it with.
Check for combination drugs: Many people are prescribed opioids to take along with other pain medicines (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen). Some opioids have these other medications mixed in. For example, Percocet has acetaminophen. Ensure you are not getting too much acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen in your body.
Watch for side effects: Your healthcare provider will help you with any side-effects you might have from the medication. The most common and persistent side effect is constipation. Your healthcare provider can go over what you can do to ease any problems with constipation and which over-the-counter products are safe for you to use.
Store medications securely: It’s best to keep your medication locked away in a safe place where no one else can access it. Even if you don’t think anyone in your home would take your medications, children and pets can still find them. Unfortunately, this could be life-threatening.
Protect medication integrity: Make sure to store your medications in a cool, dry area. You don’t want to cause any accidental damage to the medications.
Do not share medications: Do NOT give your medications to anyone else- even if they have a prescription for the same medication. Your medication is only for YOU. While it may be helpful for your pain, it may be very harmful to someone else.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience:
A sudden increase in pain
Heart racing or beating too slowly
A red or flushed face
Nausea or vomiting
Feeling unusually drowsy or dizzy
No bowel movement for three or more days
Recognizing the Signs of Opioid Overdose
Opioid overdose is a medical emergency. Knowing the warning signs could help save a life. Call emergency services immediately if you or someone around you experiences:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Extreme drowsiness or trouble staying awake
Cold, clammy skin
Dizziness, confusion, or disorientation
Seizures (uncontrolled body shaking)
Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or sensing things that aren’t real)
These symptoms may indicate a serious overdose requiring urgent care.
Naloxone, a life-saving medication, can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when administered by emergency responders. Fast action can make the difference.
Safe Disposal of Opioid Medications
Unused or expired opioid medications should always be disposed of safely to prevent accidental ingestion, misuse, or environmental harm. Never throw them in the trash, even if they are sealed, as children, pets, or others may still access them.
Whenever possible, use a designated medication take-back program or a drop-off location at a pharmacy or healthcare center.
If no disposal program is available, consult your pharmacist or refer to official guidelines to determine whether flushing is appropriate for your specific medication.
Proper disposal helps keep your home safe and your community protected.
Remember: Open communication with your care team is essential for managing pain and using medications safely.
At Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, we are committed to helping you achieve your pain management goals while prioritizing your safety and the wellbeing of those around you.