OPIOIDS: THE WHENS, WHYS & HOWS

THE OPIOID BATTLE

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Opioid prescriptions have grown 400% since 1999
• From 1999 to 2017, more than 700,000 people have died from a drug overdose.
• Around 68% of the more than 70,200 drug overdose deaths in 2017 involved an opioid.
• In 2017, the number of overdose deaths involving opioids (including prescription opioids and illegal opioids like heroin and illicitly manufactured fentanyl) was 6 times higher than in 1999.
• On average, 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose

Source: CDC's Opioid Portal

Due to the National Opioid Epidemic, the FDA has challenged physicians to find alternative methods in treating musculoskeletal pain. In recent years, prescribing Compressive Cryrotherapy has become the Gold Standard in treating and reducing opioid consumption during acute injury recovery or post operative care.

Opioids are powerful drugs intended to decrease pain, but if abused, may lead to severe addiction and deadly overdose. Due to individuals having different pain thresholds, responses to surgery differ from patient to patient. It is important for the recovery process that pain is adequately addressed and managed. When prescribed, it is important to follow all parameters set forth by your physician. In preparation, there are some important steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of abusing postoperative opioid medications.

Consult your doctor

If you’re scheduled for surgery, consult your surgeon during your “pre-op” appointment. At this time, speak with your physician about post-operative pain and whether opioids are required.

Opioids NOT required

If your physician believes post-op pain is minimal, he/she may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol and generic), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and generic), and naproxen (Aleve and generic)

Opioids ARE required

If your physician believes post-op pain is moderate-severe, he/she is likely to prescribe Hydrocodone (Vicodin and generic) and/or Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet, and generic). These medications should only be used to treat extreme short-term pain; the type experienced after surgery

Stick to the Script - Less is Best

If you require opioids, your physician should prescribe the lowest possible dose. Three days (or fewer) should suffice, but in rare cases, seven days of meds may be prescribed.   According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, taking opioids for more than three days will increase your risk of addiction.  If you’re still in pain after three days, use over-the-counter medicines as recommended by your doctor  

Know the Risks & Side Effects of Opioids  

• The risk of overdose with opioids is high because the amount that can cause an overdose is not much higher than the amount used to treat pain.
• The risk of addiction is low, but it can happen to anyone. Ask your doctor about this risk.
• The possible side effects of opioids include abdominal cramps, constipation, headaches, nausea, sleepiness, vomiting, and a fuzzy-headed feeling

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