As National Poison Prevention Week comes to a close, the Oregon Poison Center at Oregon Health & Science University would like to alert the public to the importance of using and storing prescription painkillers carefully and correctly. According to recent data from the American Association of Poison Control Centers, painkillers were the substances most frequently involved in all human poison exposure cases.

During the past 11 years, painkiller exposures increased more rapidly than any other, according to the AAPCC’s National Poison Data System. Furthermore, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration state that prescription drug abuse is an epidemic.

“The growing trend of death by prescription drugs has reached critical levels in the U.S. and the Oregon Poison Center wants to work with the public and prescribing providers to sound the message,” said Zane Horowitz, M.D., medical director of the Oregon Poison Center. “When it comes to prescription drugs, patients should take only the amount prescribed; don’t share you pain pills with family or friends and never take more than the amount recommended by your doctor.”

Since 1962, the third week in March has been designated National Poison Prevention Week and has focused national attention on the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them. The nation’s 57 poison centers respond to calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week in order to help those who have been exposed to toxic substances.

Poison center experts offer the following tips to keep yourself and others safe around prescription painkillers:

• Properly dispose of unwanted or expired prescription drugs. The national prescription drug take-back day is coming up on April 27. Call the Oregon Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for more information on safe drug disposal.
• If you are currently using prescription painkillers, store them safely. Listen for the click when resealing the bottle, and lock them up where they can’t be accessed by another individual or curious child.
• Be aware of the dangers prescription painkillers can pose; using these drugs without a doctor’s prescription can be deadly.
• Never change your dose without consulting your doctor; talk with your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of overdose.
• If you or someone you know is addicted to these drugs, seek help immediately.
• Be aware of the symptoms of overdose and be prepared to offer first aid. Symptoms may include dizziness, fainting, vomiting, and difficult or uneven breathing. If you witness an overdose in progress, dial 9-1-1 or the poison center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.