Study finds higher risk of overdose in patients treated with opioids to reduce dental pain
When they go to the dentist to get a tooth pulled or another procedure, patients might not think that the prescription they receive to ease their pain could put them or their family at risk of an opioid overdose.
But a new study from the University of Michigan shows that overdose rates were two and a half times higher among patients who filled a prescription for an opioid medication after a dental procedure, compared with those who didn t fill such a prescription.
Overdose rates were also higher among the family members of such patients - possibly from misuse of the leftover pills.
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When they go to the dentist to get a tooth pulled or another procedure, patients might not think that the prescription they receive to ease their pain could put them or their family at risk of an opioid overdose.
But a new study from the University of Michigan shows that overdose rates were two and a half times higher among patients who filled a prescription for an opioid medication after a dental procedure, compared with those who didn t fill such a prescription.
Overdose rates were also higher among the family members of such patients - possibly from misuse of the leftover pills.
Get rid of unused medications at three take back sites Saturday
Drop-off sites in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Dexter
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. – It’s time to clean out your medicine cabinet.
On Saturday, Washtenaw County residents can drop off unused, old and expired medications for safe disposal at three locations.
Hosted by Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, the event will last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pills, capsules and patches of many types of medications will be accepted, including pain medications, sedatives and sleep medicines, antidepressants, ADHD medications, muscle relaxants and pet/veterinary medicines.
Needles, syringes, liquids and lancets will not be accepted.