How to Use Prescription Pain Medication Safely and Responsibly

Prescription pain medicine should be treated as a medical treatment rather than an ordinary consumer product.

7 Safety Principles

1. Take the medication exactly as prescribed.
2. Never share prescription medication.
3. Tell your provider about all medicines and supplements you use.
4. Ask about alcohol and drug interactions.
5. Store medicines securely.
6. Don’t change the dose yourself.
7. Dispose of unused medication appropriately.

With opioids, these precautions are especially important because misuse can result in addiction, overdose and death.