
Did you know that ...
Prescription painkiller overdoses killed nearly 15,000 people in the US in 2008. This is more than 3 times the 4,000 people killed by these drugs in 1999.
Nearly half a million emergency department visits in 2009 were due to people misusing or abusing prescription painkillers.
Nonmedical use of prescription painkillers costs health insurers up to $72.5 billion annually in direct health care costs.
Here are some recommendations the CDC offers to consumers
- Use prescription painkillers only as directed by a health care provider.
- Make sure they are the only one to use their prescription painkillers. Not selling or sharing them with others helps prevent misuse and abuse.
- Store prescription painkillers in a secure place and dispose of them properly.
Need help for yourself or a loved one? Don't wait.
Contact a health care provider who can help you.
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