Your Body: Misusing Opioid Medications

Ingram Publishing/ThinkstockBy DR. JENNIFER ASHTON, ABC News Senior Medical Contributor

Nearly 10 million Americans reported misusing opioid medications between 2012 and 2013. This is a class of drugs that includes oxycontin and vicodin, without a prescription or not as prescribed.

Medically, it’s important to adequately treat pain, and there are numerous safe and effective ways to do this, including using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs.

Patients should ask their doctor or pharmacist for precise instructions on use and they should never mix or add other medications or alcohol without first checking with their medical professional.

Patients on opioids should have regular follow-ups and should be educated about their safe use and whether they are necessary in the first place.

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Your Body: Misusing Opioid Medications

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At least 588 US measles cases reported in January: CDC

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