These medications include an opiate such as codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, morphine, and tramadol alone or in combination with other agents such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

The most common opiate pain medications are - Acetaminophen with Codeine (Tylenol #3, Tylenol #4), Hydrocodone with Acetaminophen (Norco, Hycet), Hydrocodone (Hysingla ER), Hydromorphone (Dilaudid), Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Roxicodone, Xtampza ER), Oxycodone with Acetaminophen (Percocet), Tramadol (Ultram), Tramadol with Acetaminophen (Ultracet).

Refer to your medication bottle to know how often you should take your medication. Opiate medications can result in addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Do not take a higher dose or more often than prescribed and stop taking it as soon as it is unneeded. Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY if you take too much of your pain medication.

Since opiates can cause stomach upset and nausea, it is recommended to take it with food.

Since Oxycontin is an extended release product, it is important that you do NOT crush or chew this medication. It is okay to crush or chew immediate release oxycodone (oxycodone IR) if necessary.

Opiates can be very sedating and cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking an opiate medication. Use precautions to avoid falling.

Opiates can also cause constipation. It is advisable to take a stool softener such as Docusate Sodium, also known as Colace® while taking opiate pain medications to help prevent constipation.

Opiates can also cause itching.

If constipation is persistent or itching is severe, there are medications that can help. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations.

Check your medication bottle to see if you see “acetaminophen” or APAP as part of the drug name. (APAP is an abbreviate for acetaminophen.) Norco, Percocet, Tylenol #3 or #4, or Ultracet all contain Tylenol® also known as acetaminophen. While taking any medication with acetaminophen, be sure to check other medications (especially combination cold medicines and some sleeping pills) to make sure they do not contain acetaminophen. Do not take two medications that contain acetaminophen at the same time. Contact your local pharmacist for an alternative medication.

To avoid life-threatening liver damage, avoid taking more than 4000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours.

Opiate medications slow down your breathing and your heart rate. Avoid other sedatives and CNS depressants - alcohol, sleeping pills, pain medication, muscle relaxants as well as some anxiety medications including benzodiazepines – while taking opiates.

If you have questions or concerns about taking your pain medication with a previously prescribed medication or over-the-counter medication or supplement, contact your pharmacist.

If you have other medical conditions, including but not limited to lung problems, bowel and gut problems or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your primary care doctor to make sure it is okay to take an opiate pain medication.

Accidental ingestion of medicine, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose. Never give anyone else your prescription medication. Keep your medicine secure, out of sight and reach of children, and in a location not accessible by others, including visitors to your home.

If you have leftover medication, please dispose of it properly. To dispose of unwanted, unused or expired medications, contact your local police station or visit www.fda.gov/drugdisposal for information about drug-takeback programs.