Safer Prescribing and Disposal

To contain the overdose epidemic, we must engage the medical community and local citizens in the safer prescribing and disposing of opioid prescriptions with a potential for misuse. Here, we provide information on strategies to promote safer prescribing practices to medical practitioners and involve community members in the responsible safekeeping and disposing of opioid prescriptions.

Safer Prescribing Resources from the HEALing Communities Study

Sample video PSA about the importance of safe opioid disposal and community disposal locations.

Safer Prescribing Guides

Kentucky
Back Pain Guide

Instruction sheet for prescribers to provide to patients when treating acute low back pain.

Kentucky
Sprains and Strains Guide

Instruction sheet for prescribers to provide to patients when treating acute sprains and strains.

Kentucky
Dentist Guide

Best practices guide for acute dental pain management and accompanying quick reference card.

Kentucky
Primary Care Provider Guide

Best practices guide for managing pain in primary care.

Kentucky
Primary Care Provider Tapering Guide

Quick reference card about tapering chronic opioid therapy, including risk/benefit assessment, when and how to taper, and patient monitoring.

Kentucky
Pharmacy Guide

Prescription opioid safety best practices guide for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians (CPE credit available until 12/31/24).

Kentucky
Disposal Flyer (English and Spanish versions)

Quick reference card with methods of prescription opioid disposal and sample community flyer with opioid disposal information and locations.

Download Espanõl

Kentucky
Primary Care Provider Naloxone Guide

Naloxone quick reference card for prescribers and other health professionals.

Kentucky
Opioid Alternatives Guide

Quick reference card with non-opioid alternatives for chronic pain management and a checklist for prescribing opioids safely.

Stories from the Field

Clark County, Kentucky
Partnering with Pharmacies for Medication Drop-Boxes

Using existing systems and collaborating with community pharmacy partners to create and promote medication drop-box/safe disposal locations.

Safer Prescribing Resources from the HEALing Communities Study

Kentucky
Opioid Safety Patient Flyer

Flyer for patients that describes how to take, store, and dispose of prescription opioids.

Download Espanõl