What you need to know about opioids
Prescription pain medications, also known as opioids, can be used to help relieve moderate to severe pain and are often prescribed following a surgery or injury, or for certain health conditions. These medications can be an important part of treatment but also come with side effects and serious risks. It is important to work with your health care provider to make sure you are getting the safest, most effective care when taking an opioid medication.
The use of prescription opioids can have a number of side effects, even when taken as directed:
- Tolerance—meaning you might need to take more of a medication for the same pain relief
- Physical dependence—meaning you have symptoms of withdrawal when a medication is stopped
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Constipation
- Nausea, vomiting and dry mouth
- Sleepiness and dizziness
- Confusion
- Depression
- Low levels of testosterone that can result in lower sex drive, energy and strength
- Itching and sweating
You can talk to your health care provider about ways to manage your pain that do not involve prescription opioids. Some of these options may actually work better and have fewer side effects and risks. Options may include:
- Pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen
- Some medications that are also used for nerve pain or fibromyalgia
- Physical therapy and exercise
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - a psychological, goal-directed approach in which patients learn how to modify physical, behavioral, and emotional triggers of pain and stress.
- Acupuncture
Opioid addiction and dependence
Prescription opioids carry serious risks of addiction, especially with prolonged use, taking too many pills at one time, combining the opioids with alcohol or other drugs, using someone else’s opioid prescription, or taking the opioids for the sole purpose of feeling good. These actions can lead to addiction and in some cases death.
If you believe you may be struggling with an opioid addiction, talk to your health care provider about getting help. Alternatively, to find a treatment center in your area visit the following websites:
You can also call 1-888-799-1599 (TTY 711)< to speak with a Security Health Plan registered nurse care manager.
Disposal of unused medicines
If you have an unused prescription of an opioid, you can dispose of unneeded medicines through a drug take-back program in your area. To find a drug take-back program, visit one of the following websites:
Safety measures at pharmacies
Security Health Plan has instituted several opioid safety measures to prevent and address our concerns about overuse of these powerful pain medications when a plan member picks up an opioid prescription at the pharmacy. Depending on the type of safety measure being applied to the prescription, the pharmacy may be able to resolve the concern while you are at the pharmacy. In certain situations, a coverage determination will have to be requested to see if the opioid is medically necessary.
For example, your pharmacy may be able to quickly resolve the following opioid safety concerns:
- Prescription written for 90 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per day
- Prescription written for concurrent use of an opioid and a benzodiazepine (e.g. lorazepam or diazepam) drug
- Prescription written for duplicative long-acting (LA) opioid therapy drugs (e.g. Fentanyl or OxyContin) that last longer than 12 or 24 hours
Conversely, your pharmacy may need to request a coverage determination to determine medical necessity and ensure safe opioid use in the following situations:
- An opioid prescription for a member who has not used an opioid in the last 90 days when the initial fill of the drug is greater than a 7-day supply
- Prescription written for 200 MME per day
As part of Security Health Plan’s ongoing effort to maintain the health of our members, we want to assist you in your pain management goals. Please reach out to a registered nurse care manager or our Pharmacy Services Department with any questions you may have about pain management needs and goals.
Nurse Care Manager at 1-888-799-1599 (TTY 711)
Pharmacy Services Department at 1-877-873-5611 (TTY 711)
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.