What is an opioid overdose?

Opioids are strong pain medicines. Examples include hydromorphone, oxycodone, fentanyl, and morphine. Heroin is an example of an illegal opioid. Taking too much of any opioid is called an overdose. When this happens, you get very sleepy. Your breathing slows down or stops. This can cause death.

Who is most at risk?

Your risk goes up if you misuse opioids, take high doses, or have overdosed before. Certain health problems put you at higher risk too. You're also at higher risk if you use opioids with another substance, like alcohol. And your risk is higher if you start using opioids again after you'd cut back or stopped.

How can you reduce your risk?

Opioids can cause serious problems if you misuse them. They can even cause death. But there are things you can do to help keep yourself safe.

• Take medicine only as prescribed.

  Follow all dose instructions. Never share your medicines with others.

• Do not combine opioids with alcohol or other medicines.

  Opioids can be dangerous if you take them with alcohol or with certain medicines. These medicines include sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and other medicines that can slow breathing. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. Don't start any new medicines before you talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

• Follow your pain management plan.

  Your plan will include other options to help with pain. They can help lower the amount of an opioid you need. If you don't have a plan, talk with your doctor. You can make one together.

• If you have reduced or stopped an opioid, don't return to your old dose.

  Your body gets used to taking less (or none) of this type of drug. If you suddenly return to taking the same amount that you did before, you are at a higher risk for overdose.

• Ask your doctor about a take-home naloxone kit.

  Naloxone is used to treat an opioid overdose. It can help save the life of someone who has overdosed. Know the signs of an overdose. Make sure that you and the people close to you know how to use the kit. You can get a naloxone kit without a prescription at most drugstores or through a community Take Home Naloxone program.

• Take steps to keep others safe too.

  Store opioids in a safe and secure place. Make sure that pets, children, friends, and family can't get to them. Exposure to even a tiny amount of any drugs, including opioids, can make babies or children very sick or cause death. Exposure can happen in different ways, like breathing in second-hand smoke or vapour from drugs; being exposed through breastfeeding or breastmilk; transferring from clothing, hands, or skin to a baby or child’s body, toys, soothers, bottles, and other items; during diaper changes; or accidentally eating or touching drugs. Keep all drugs and drug-related items, like bongs, pipes, lighters, needles, spoons, and fentanyl patches, locked up, out of sight, and out of reach of children. If you come in contact with opioids, wash your hands and change your clothes before handling or feeding a baby or child or touching toys or other items. When you're done using opioids, make sure to properly dispose of them. You can either use a community drug take-back program or return the medicine to the pharmacy. Do not flush medicines down the sink or toilet.

• Talk to your doctor if you're worried about your safety.

  If you are worried about your safety while taking opioids, or if you're misusing them or taking illegal opioids, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you take steps to stay safe. Your doctor can also connect you to resources to help you stop using opioids.