COMMUNITY HEALTH CORNER With Chief Pharmacist, Polly McDonald at Thrifty White Pharmacy 387 11 Street South in Wahpeton, ND What do you know about opioids? Should I be worried about myself or loved-one using prescription opioid medications? Prescription opioids are medications that are used for pain management following surgery accidents, and occasionally chronic pain relief. Opioids are indicated for moderate to severe pain relief and may pose a risk of serious side effects. One of the most concerning drawbacks to opioid use is the risk of overdose. Thrifty White Pharmacy has implemented ONE Rx to help optimize patient safety during opiold utilization. ONE Rx is an educational tool to assist the pharmacist in enhanced medication counseling and prevention of adverse side effects that may be associated with opioid medications. This additional education through ONE Rx helps your pharmacist communicate techniques for optimal medication usage and ways to prevent accidental overdose. ONE R Opiold and Nolcxone Education These are examples of what your pharmacist may discuss with you during opioid medication use: 1. How to dispose of your opioid medication once your treatment is completed. 2. The possibility of filing only a portion of your pain medication and returning to refil 3. How to prevent accidental opioid overdose and ways to aid in preventing side effects 4. Educating you and your significant other about identifying symptoms relating to 5. Options for obtaining emergency medication (naloxone) to have at ome for reversal 6. If you do not feel comfortable using an opioid., the pharmacist can also communicate the remaining portion only if you need to continue therapy. during treatment. too much' pain medication use during treatment. of accidental opioid overdose. with your physician about alternative pain medications that may be safer for you. What individuals have a higher risk of accidental overdose to opioid medications? 1. Male gender 2. Older age 3. Using opicids while treating certain medical conditions (i.e. asthma, depression, liver disease, sleep apnea, or COPD) 4. Using high prescribed doses of opicids 5. Using certain medications with opioids (i.e. sleeping medication or muscle relaxers) It is estimated that up to 30% of individuals that use opioid medications are at risk for accidental overdose. Talk with you Thrifty White Pharmacist today! 387 11 Street S.. Wahpeton, ND (701) 642-2336 Pharmacy Hours: Mon Thur: 8:30am 6pm O Employee Owned Tlritlenidg, 126 N. 5" St. Breckenridge, MN (218) 643-3871 Store Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm Sat: 9am-2pm Sun: Noon-4pm BUY ONLINE ilineDrugstore ww.oilinedustore.com