Opioid Risks and Dangers in Irvine

It is important for all patients who are prescribed medications for pain to be aware of the risks and dangers of opioids in Irvine. Armed with this knowledge, they might be able to decrease the chances that they would suffer harm by taking these drugs. However, if you or someone you know was harmed by these drugs, you may have a claim against a responsible party, and a lawyer could help you hold that person accountable.

Types of Opioid Medications

Opioid medications work by preventing pain receptors from telling the brain that the body is experiencing pain. These medications work well for people with moderate to severe pain but also have a high potential for addiction, especially in some patient populations.

Prescription opioid medications are referred to by their generic or name-brand names. Common prescription opioids include:

  • Codeine
  • Fentanyl (Actiq, Fentora)
  • Hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Norco, Vicodin)
  • Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
  • Meperidine (Demerol)
  • Morphine
  • Oxycodone (OxyContin)
  • Oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet)

The Risks and Dangers of Opioid Medications

It is imperative that all patients who are prescribed or might be prescribed opioid medications be aware of Irvine opioid risks and dangers. Patients have the right to receive information and ask questions about the medications their physicians prescribe for them, especially for controlled types of medications like opioids and their derivatives.

How Do Overdoses Happen?

Patients taking opioid drugs may feel sleepy but could also experience a slower rate of breathing and heart rate. This slow heart and respiratory rate could lead to severe complications or even death. The amount of opioids that could cause overdoses varies, depending on:

  • The type and strength of the opioid drug
  • The patient’s weight, age, and biochemistry

Some people may also suffer opioid overdoses because of their interactions with other medications that they are taking.

Addiction

Patients with a personal or family history of addiction are often at a higher risk of opioid addiction. Addictions increase the risk of harmful effects as well as death.

How Can Someone Reduce the Dangers and Risks?

In Irvine, the risks and dangers of opioids could be reduced by patients carefully following the instructions of their physician or pharmacist when it comes to taking their prescription opioids. Patients should also be sure that their physician is aware of all other medications they are taking, including any supplements.

While drug manufacturers, physicians, or pharmacists might be liable for the damages caused by opioid prescriptions, patients must also be accountable for their actions. A defendant’s liability could be offset by the negligence of the plaintiff.

The court would decide if the plaintiff is partially liable for their own injuries and if so, to what degree. The compensation the plaintiff would have received if the defendant were 100 percent liable, would be reduced by their degree of liability.

Help Facing Opioid Risks and Dangers in Irvine

If opioid risks and dangers in Irvine have personally impacted you or someone you know, you may have a valid legal claim. Drug manufacturers could be liable for your injuries due to a lack of information provided to you and your healthcare providers.

An experienced attorney could help you pursue financial compensation for your damages related to opioid use. Get your case started by contacting your local personal injury attorney.