Member: I have a surgery coming up and my doctor said he would prescribe me Vicodin or Morphine for pain management. I will be using it for a long period of time and am concerned about dependency or side effects. Should I request an alternative? —Deb, St. Louis Park
Anita: Thank you for this important question, Deborah. Vicodin and Morphine are in a class of drugs called Opioids that are frequently prescribed to manage pain. They are
usually prescribed for short-term use, but can be prescribed for longer periods of time for certain conditions. Opioids were common in the past, but doctors have tried to prescribe them less in recent years because of widespread problems with misuse and addiction. Using opioids with other classes of medications (like benzodiazepines) can increase the risk of dizziness and falls, especially in the Medicare population.
If you have been prescribed an opioid for long-term pain management, it is important to discuss with your doctor how to safely wean off of the drug. Other side effects should also be discussed. Those include dependency, irregular heartbeat, increased heart attack risk, depression, constipation, abdominal pain, tolerance increases, weak bones and overdose risk.
Many alternative medications are available. Those include acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, and topical products, such as a lidocaine patch. Your healthcare plan covers many over-the- counter medications. Additionally, you may use your quarterly over-the-counter allowance to help you obtain other wellness products.
If you have a Part D prescription drug plan, there are several prescription options depending on your needs. Talk to your doctor about finding the right alternative that is covered by your plan. Alternatives to medicine — talking to a mental health professional, acupuncture, or chiropractic services — might also be covered by your plan. Call the number on the back of your member ID card to learn more.