Important Information about Opioid (Narcotic) Pain Medications
Store Safely
Always store narcotic pain medication in a secure place, out of reach and out of sight from children, teens, and pets.
Dispose Safely
Narcotic pain medications can pose a serious hazard to you or to others. Some examples of opioid medications are codeine, hydromorphone, morphine and oxycodone. To prevent accidental exposure or abuse, please take all unused, unwanted, unneeded and expired medications back to a pharmacy for safe disposal. For locations that accept returns, please call 1-844-535-8889 or go to www.healthsteward.ca
Never Share
Never share your opioid medication with anyone.
Describing Your Pain
Rate your pain on a scale of 1 - 10
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
No pain Mild Moderate Severe Worst
Managing your Pain - When and How to take your Pain Medication
It is normal to expect pain after surgery. You will be prescribed pain medication based on the average, anticipated level of pain for your surgery. To avoid side effects, use the lowest possible dosage for the shortest possible time. Aim to keep your pain level at a manageable level, between 2 - 3 out of 10. Take your pain medication regularly for the first 1 - 2 days after surgery. Take your medications as soon as you start to feel pain, which is usually as the effects of the local anesthesia begin to wear off. Remember that pain medications can take about 30 - 40 minutes to start working. As the days pass, and as your pain lessens, begin decreasing the dosage and frequently of your medication.
Side Effects of Pain Medication
Narcotic pain medications have many unpleasant side effects. To decrease these side effects, take the lowest dose of medication possible to manage your pain. These side effects include drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, itchiness, constipation, dizziness and slowed breathing. Do not drive, operate machinery, or make any important decisions when using narcotic pain medications. Do not combine narcotics with any other sedatives including sleeping pills, recreational drugs, or alcohol.
Managing Side Effects of Pain Medication
Nausea/vomiting: treat with an anti-nausea pill or suppository such as Gravol
Itchiness without rash: treat with an antihistamine such as Benadryl
Constipation: treat with a stool softener (Metamucil or Colace) or a laxative (Milk or Magnesia) Increasing fluid and fibre intake will alleviate constipation.