Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking opioid pain medications as follows: Opioid pain medications are mainly metabolized by the liver and individuals with history of compromised liver function cannot metabolize opioid pain medications and this can lead to increased blood levels of opioid pain medications for longer duration, leading to toxicity. Opioid pain medications should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals. Observe compliance with any labs ordered [...]

Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking opioid pain medications as follows: Avoid using opioid pain medications along with other medications that have a potential to cause respiratory depression, such as, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and antianxiety medications. Though they cause mild respiratory depression individually, they can have an additive effect when combined with opioid pain medications and thus, precipitate severe respiratory depression. If you miss a dose, try taking it at the [...]

Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking opioid pain medications as follows: Opioid pain medications slow down the bowel movements heavily and leads to constipation. Increase intake of daily fiber can help the situation and promote regular bowel movements. Any signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction and ileus, such as, intense bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting must be immediately reported. Any lack of bowel movement in 3 days must be [...]

Patient was educated on contraindications for opioid pain medications use as follows: Opioid pain medications affect the respiratory center in the brain and induce slowing down of respirations. The breathing pattern can become irregular with reduced gas exchange and lead to elevated carbon dioxide and reduced oxygen levels in the body. Overdose of opioid pain medications can also cause respiratory arrest. Opioid pain medications should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with [...]

Patient was educated on contraindications for opioid pain medications use as follows: Opioid pain medications must be avoided or used cautiously in individuals allergic to other opioid analgesics, such as Hydrocodone, Morphine, and Codeine. Opioid pain medications slow down the bowel movements heavily and leads to constipation. Opioid pain medications must be avoided or used with extreme caution in chronically constipated patients, as they are at increased risk for episodes of ileus and intestinal obstruction [...]