Opioid abuse is a major health epidemic facing the nation today. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the number of opioid pills that were legally purchased by pharmacies and physicians nearly quadrupled between 1999 to 2010, even when an increase in pain reported by our nation was not noted. Call a Lafayette Defective Drugs Lawyer today to schedule your free consultation.
Commonly Used Prescription Opioids
Among the most commonly prescribed opioids related to lawsuits include the following:
- Oxycodone: This form of opioid can treat short- and long-acting pain. Oxycodone can be combined with acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or aspirin.
- Hydrocodone: This drug can also be combined with acetaminophen or aspirin and may be used to treat short-term pain.
- Morphine: This is one of the most potent opioids and is often prescribed to persons with chronic pain.
- Codeine: This medication is usually taken by mouth and used to treat short-term pain.
- Hydromorphone: Hydromorphone is a fast-acting drug that can also be utilized as a morphine substitute.
- Methadone: This drug can be used to help individuals struggling with an addiction to opioids through a tapering method. Persons experiencing chronic pain can also use this for pain management.
- Fentanyl: This extremely powerful drug is a synthetic opioid usually used to address breakthrough pain. When a person does not have their pain adequately controlled by a weaker opioid, fentanyl may be used as a last resort.
