5 common myths about opioids

Are opioids addictive? Do opioids hasten death? How much do you know about the use of opioids? If you're curious, here are some common myths about opioids you should know!


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Recap 🕵️‍♀️
Myth 1:
Opioids are addictive.
FACT: With the appropriate indication and dose, opioids rarely lead to addiction.

Myth 2:
Opioids hasten death.
FACT: Opioids neither hasten nor cause death when used appropriately. Opioids solely help to manage patient's symptoms as relieving symptoms improves their quality of life.

Myth 3:
Opioids should be taken only when the symptoms are unbearable or when death is approaching. FACT: Opioids should be given in a timely manner and NOT when death is approaching. It is usually easier to manage the symptoms in their early stages than later.

Myth 4:
Opioids need to be continued indefinitely even if symptoms subside.
FACT: Opioids are used to control symptoms. Palliative care patients are usually on long-term opioids because they often have persistent pain or breathlessness. Opioids can be stopped or tapered off when the symptom is well controlled.

Myth 5:
The elderly should not be given opioids.
FACT: Opioids can be safely given to an elderly patient if started on a lower dose and titrated slowly depending on the patient's response. However! Use opioids cautiously in elderly patients with kidney disease.

Animation transcript: https://bit.ly/3vXQZf1

References
1. Patterson, C. (2008). Six myths about opioid use. Nursing. 38(11): 60–61.
2. Forbes, K. (2006).
2. Opioids: beliefs and myths. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother. 20(3): 33–35.
3. palliAGED. Tips for careworkers: myths about morphine. Accessed December 8, 2020. https://www.palliaged.com.au/Portals/...

Content experts: Dr. Ho Peiyan and Dr. Laurence
Video producer: Perry Lee
Voiceover: Henry Kong
This video is done in collaboration with GERI Institute - https://www.geri.com.sg/

All rights are reserved to GeriCare and there should not be any reproduction, publication, or adaptation of any part of the video content without prior approval from GeriCare.
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