What You Need to Know About OpioidsWhat are opioids?
Opioids are a class of prescription medicine used to treat pain. Common opioid medicines include:
• Percocet® (oxycodone and acetaminophen)• Oxycontin® (long acting oxycodone)• Vicoden®, Norco® (hydrocodone and
acetaminophen)• Morphine• Fentanyl• Dilaudid® (hydromorphone)
Let’s focus on opioids
Opioids may be called painkillers, narcotics or Schedule II controlled substances (CII). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have determined that these medicines carry serious risks of addiction and overdose, often with prolonged use. The government closely monitors and regulates manufacturing, prescribing and dispensing of opioids.
When are opioids prescribed?
Opiods are used to treat moderate to severe pain. Pain can be acute or chronic. Acute pain means it will only last a short time (like after surgery). Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer. It occurs with diseases like cancer or arthritis. Opiods are used as a last resort, meaning that other pain medicines and therapy (like physical therapy) are not working.
Prescribing restrictions
Because of the risks, only prescribers who have a special license from the DEA can prescribe controlled medicines. Opioids require a new prescription each time they are filled at a pharmacy. Prescriptions for opiods may not be refilled. Many insurance companies place restrictions on the strength of opioids you may receive, how often you may receive them and for how long you may receive them.
What is the Colorado PDMP?