Opioid Pain Management Instructions

Managing your child’s pain while minimizing side effects is important. Both medications and non-medications can help.

• To ensure safety, take medications only as prescribed. 
• Instructions: 
  
  • Non-medications for pain management: 
  • Acetaminophen and ibuprofen dose, use, and duration instructions: here to enter text.
  • Opioid dose, use, and duration instructions:
  • Other medications and instructions: 
  • Additional notes: 

Safe Storage and Administration

• Secure medications in a locked location and out of reach of children and teens.
• Do not share prescribed medications with anyone, including family members.
• Ensure the instructed amount is prepared before your child takes their medication.
• Observe your child when taking their medications.

Naloxone Nasal Spray Instructions

• Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose using a nasal spray. 
• Check for signs of overdose:
  
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Decreased breathing.
  • Pale or blue skin.
• Insert nasal spray into either nostril to administer the medication.
• Immediately call 911 and lay the child on their side to avoid choking. Try to keep them awake and breathing until emergency responders arrive.
• Naloxone is safe and effective. If given to someone who is NOT having an overdose, it usually has no side effects and is safe to give. Parents should be aware that a child coming out of an opioid overdose may experience breakthrough pain and/or agitation. 
• Three ways to get naloxone: 
  
  • Through a prescription from your doctor or pharmacist. Insurance usually covers or a co-pay may apply.
  • Over the counter at major pharmacies or online retailers.
  • Community organizations and local health centers will often provide it for free.

Safe Disposal

• Safely dispose of unused or expired medications at a designated drug take-back location.
  
  • Locate a nearby drug take-back site
  • Nearby Locations:
• If a drug take back location is unavailable certain specific medications such as Opioids and pain medications can be flushed.
  
  • Please refer to the Flush List provided by the FDA
• Disposal Instructions for medications that cannot be flushed:
  
  • Opioids should NOT be disposed in the trash.
  • Combine medications (liquid or pills) with an unattractive substance like dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds.
  • Transfer the mixture into a sealed container.
  • Dispose of the container in your household trash.
  • Before discarding, remove any personal information.