What are opioids?
Opioids are prescription medications used to treat short-term moderate-to-severe pain. They can make pain more manageable, but they may not relieve it completely. For this reason, opioids are often used together with other pain-relief medications and strategies.
Why am I taking opioids?
Your Heart Institute healthcare team may prescribe opioids to help manage pain resulting from heart surgery, certain heart procedures, or other medical conditions. These opioids may be prescribed together with any opioids you are already taking to manage other types of pain. Managing your pain can help you move more comfortably, return to your daily activities sooner, and support your overall recovery.
During your visit to the Heart Institute, you may be prescribed one of the following opioids, which you may also continue taking at home:
- Hydromorphone
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Fentanyl
Are opioids safe?
Many people need opioids for a short period of time after heart surgery or a heart procedure. Opioids are usually taken for less than one week. Everyone experiences pain differently, so your pain management plan is tailored to your individual needs. Opioids are a common part of medical care and should not be a source of fear or shame. Some patients may worry about addiction. Taking opioids exactly as prescribed to manage pain helps lower this risk and allows them to be a safe and effective part of your recovery.
Safe use
Opioids have side effects and can cause harm when they are not used as prescribed. Here are some important things to know about using opioids safely:
- Explore non-opioid pain medications (such as Tylenol® (acetaminophen)) and other pain management strategies. Speak with your healthcare team or community pharmacist to potentially reduce the amount of opioids you need.
- Take your opioids exactly as prescribed. Do not take more than the prescribed dose or take them more often than directed.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery when taking opioids until your healthcare team confirms that it is safe to do so.
- Never share your opioids with anyone, including family or friends. A medication that is safe for you could seriously harm someone else.
- Never accept other opioids from family or friends to manage your pain.
- Speak with your healthcare team or community pharmacist if:
- You feel your opioid is not helping manage your pain. Do not increase the dose without professional advice.
- You need help reducing or stopping your opioid.
- Your pain is not improving or is getting worse.
Taking opioids with other substances can increase their effects. Speak with your healthcare team or community pharmacist before:
- Consuming alcohol or cannabis.
- Taking medications that make you sleepy, such as sleeping pills or some anti-anxiety medications. Your healthcare team can work with you to create a care plan that is safe and right for you.
- Taking any over-the-counter medications to make sure there are no drug interactions.
Secure storage
Opioids can be harmful if they are taken by someone they were not prescribed for. To help keep everyone safe, store your opioids:
- In a secure location.
- Out of sight and out of reach of children and teens.
- Away from visitors and pets.
Disposal
When you no longer need your opioids:
- Return any unused opioids to your community pharmacy for safe disposal.
- Never throw opioids in the garbage or flush them down the toilet.
Naloxone
Naloxone is a medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. It is very safe and can save a life. If you think someone is having an opioid overdose, give naloxone right away.
Free naloxone kits are available at your community pharmacy. A pharmacist can show you how to recognize an opioid overdose and how to use naloxone safely. Make sure to tell your friends and family where you keep your naloxone kit.
Toxicity (Overdose)
Call 911 and give naloxone immediately if someone taking opioids has any of these signs:
- They are difficult to wake up or can’t stay awake.
- They are breathing slowly or not breathing at all.
- They are making choking, gurgling, or unusual snoring sounds.
- They are confused or difficult to talk to.
- They have very small (pinpoint) pupils (black part of the eye).
- They have cold or clammy skin.
- They have blue, purple, or grey lips or fingernails.
Always call 911 immediately, even if the person wakes up or seems to improve after receiving naloxone. The effects of naloxone are temporary, and emergency medical care is still needed.