Recent estimates suggest that 20 to 30 percent of opioid analgesic drugs prescribed for chronic pain are misused, while the rate of opioid addiction is approximately 10 percent (PAIN®, April 2015).
Prescriptions for these pain-relieving drugs have skyrocketed in the past 15 years, and this sharp increase has coincided with an increase in opioid-related problems, such as dependence, withdrawal, and overdose.
In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned of the dangers of overprescribing opioid painkillers. “Prescription drug overdose is epidemic in the United States. All too often, and in far too many communities, the treatment is becoming the problem,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, MD, MPH.
In addition to the dangers of opioid misuse and addiction, amputees should be aware of other seemingly harmless medications that can also be dangerous to them.
Many amputees, especially those who have several health conditions, may be taking numerous medications at the same time and/or several times a day. Even if these medications have been prescribed by doctors, they could potentially interact in a harmful way with other prescription or over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements, including vitamins and herbal remedies. Even your weight, age, gender, activity level, and what you eat and drink, including alcohol, caffeine, and seemingly harmless foods like onions, bananas, and broccoli, can cause medicine to work incorrectly.
These interactions can cause side effects or worsen existing side effects. They can also cause the drug to have a stronger or weaker impact or neutralize its effectiveness. Any of these problems could be life-threatening.
With so many variables involved, it can be difficult for you and your healthcare providers to keep up with all of the potential dangers. The following suggestions can help you protect yourself and others:
BE SURE THAT ALL OF YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS KNOW about every prescription and over-the-counter medication you are taking. Let them know if you are using dietary supplements, including vitamins and herbal remedies, caffeine, or alcohol.
ASK THEM IF ANY FOOD, DRINK, or activity level might interact negatively with your medication.
DON’T “DOCTOR SHOP” to try to get more medication than you should legally and safely receive.
DON’T BUY MEDICINE from unauthorized dealers.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR OR GET A SECOND OPINION if you suspect that you have been prescribed too much medication or the wrong medication.
CONSIDER GETTING ALL OF YOUR MEDICATION THROUGH A SINGLE PHARMACY. The pharmacist may be able watch for possible drug interaction hazards in your prescribed medications.
CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES—exercise, physical therapy, biofeedback, acupuncture, massage, etc.—to help reduce your need for opioids or other medications.
CAREFULLY READ THE DIRECTIONS AND WARNINGS that come with your medicine and follow the directions on it and from your healthcare providers. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
TALK WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS about possible interactions.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT ANY MEDICATION SIDE EFFECTS that are persistent or worrisome.
STORE YOUR MEDICATION SECURELY so that others can’t steal it or accidentally ingest it.
DISPOSE OF LEFTOVER or expired medicine properly.
IF YOU FEEL THAT YOU HAVE BECOME ADDICTED to any of your medicine, seek professional assistance.
TAKE YOUR TREATMENT REGIMEN VERY SERIOUSLY, and be aware of any potential harm it might cause.
This article was adapted from information provided by Wolters Kluwer Health: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, and the CDC.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional for your specific situation.
