Safer choices for pain control after wisdom teeth removal.
Are you (or is someone you know) scheduled to have wisdom teeth removed? Pain after wisdom teeth removal is common, so dentists and oral surgeons may prescribe strong medicines that combine a common non-opioid pain medicine (such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin) with a stronger opioid pain medicine (such as codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone). Examples of such combination medicines are Lorcet Plus, Vicodin ES, Norco, Endocet, and Percocet, or generic equivalents of them. Opioids are effective in treating pain, but even short-term prescriptions can lead to dependence or addiction.
Learn MoreKnowing the difference between a drug allergy and a side effect
Many people have experienced an unpleasant side effect to a medication, such as an upset stomach, diarrhea, or excessive sleepiness. Medication side effects are pretty common and can be expected, especially with certain drugs. For example, people may have nausea when taking a narcotic or diarrhea from an antibiotic. However, it is important to know that these side effects are not allergies because we’ve heard them referred to as such.
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