Download UNDERSTANDING OPIOIDS

A GUIDE TO
UNDERSTANDING OPIOIDS
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT OPIOIDS AS A CAREGIVER
As a caregiver, you play an important role in a patient’s life, especially when it comes to the
medications he or she is taking. From being involved in conversations among the patient, the doctor,
and yourself to helping administer medications, you are central to the treatment plan. That’s why it’s
essential to have the information you need about an important medication the patient is
taking, an opioid.
The following guide will provide you with key facts about opioids, including information about
different formulations and the importance of proper use. This will help you stay as informed as
possible and help ensure treatment success.
WHAT IS AN OPIOID?
Opioids are prescription pain medications that are used to treat severe pain.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
AN IR AND AN ER OPIOID?
Immediate release (IR) and extended release (ER) are 2 different formulations. IR, also known
as short-acting, means that the medicine is rapidly released. ER means that the medicine is
released over time. This is also called a long-acting medication.
IR and ER opioid medications are taken differently. The doctor will clarify which formulation
has been prescribed because it’s important to know how it should be properly taken. This
is also printed on the label of the medication.
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO TAKE
AN OPIOID EXACTLY AS PRESCRIBED?
If an opioid is taken differently than prescribed, it can negatively affect the way it works.
Misuse of opioid medications often occurs by accident due to a lack of awareness by those
taking it. Even if it seems like a simple change, taking medication differently than the way it
was prescribed is misuse, and can place you at the risk of severe side effects. This can include
taking medication more often or less often than directed by the doctor as well as crushing,
chewing, or dissolving the medication.
If the patient dislikes or has trouble swallowing pills, talk to the doctor to find out if there
are other ways to take the medication.
HOW CAN I MAKE SURE AN OPIOID
MEDICATION IS TAKEN PROPERLY?
An opioid should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor
• Make sure you know when the patient should take the medication and how much
he or she should take
The patient should not be taking more or less than the prescribed dosage
• Let the doctor know if you think a change in dosage is needed or if the medication
isn’t giving the patient enough pain relief
An opioid regimen should not be stopped without talking to the doctor
Make sure it is clear to you how the medication should be taken
• If taken orally, does the pill need to be swallowed whole?
• If the patient dislikes or has difficulty swallowing pills, are there ways to administer
the medication orally, other than swallowing it whole?
• Should the medication be taken with food?
Some medications are intended to be taken whole and altering them may
change the way they work, and lead to a potential fatal dose of medication.
ARE ANY OPIOID MEDICATIONS
DESIGNED TO AVOID MISUSE OR ABUSE?
Newer opioid formulations known as abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) were designed to discourage opioid
abuse and reduce the risks associated with misuse. To do this, some ADFs use special technology or include
another drug in addition to the opioid, which can help to reduce the effects if the medication is used incorrectly.
Ask questions.
Don’t hesitate to ask the doctor any questions about the prescribed opioid
medication or opioids in general. The pharmacist is also a great resource
for any questions or concerns.
Stay informed.
The more you know about opioids, the more you can guide the patient
along the way to ensure proper use and sufficient pain relief.
Communicate openly.
An open dialogue among you, the doctor, and the patient leads
to less miscommunication.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY COLLEGIUM PHARMACEUTICAL, INC.
©2016 Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. All rights reserved. PP-XT-US-0036