Safe Use: Learn The Facts

Since 2000, the number of deaths due to overdose of prescription pain medication increased 398%.
Over the last decade, prescription pain medications have been responsible for more drug deaths in Utah than all other drugs combined.
Opioids contribute to approximately three out of four drug overdose deaths.
In 2014, 24 Utah adults died per month and 820 Utahns were hospitalized as a result of prescription opioid misuse and abuse.^1,2
In 2015, 74% of Utah adults reported obtaining a prescription medication, without a doctor’s prescription, from a friend or family member.

TIPS FOR SAFE USE OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS

Tell your healthcare provider about ALL medicines and supplements you take.
Never take medication that is not prescribed to you.
Never share your prescription medications.
Never take your medications more often or in higher doses than prescribed or directed.
Know the potential harmful interactions of drinking alcohol while taking specific medications.
Taking prescription or over-the-counter medications with depressants such as sleep aids, anti-anxiety medications, or cold medicine can be dangerous.
Properly dispose of all unused and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications

References

Utah Department of Health Violence and Injury Prevention Program.
Utah Inpatient Hospital Discharge Data, Retrieved Feb 2015 from Utah Department of Health, Office of Health Care Statistics, Indicator-Based Information System for Public Health.