Frequency of unsafe storage, use, and disposal practices of opioids among cancer patients presenting to the emergency department

OBJECTIVE: Approximately 75% of prescription opioid abusersobtain the drug from an acquaintance, which may be a consequence of improper opioidstorage, use, disposal, and lack of patient education. We aimed to determine the opioidstorage, use, and disposal patternsin patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) of a comprehensive cancer center. METHOD: We surveyed 113 patients receiving opioidsfor at least 2 months upon presenting to the ED and collected information regarding opioiduse, storage, and disposal. Unsafe storage was defined as storing opioidsin plain sight, and unsafe use was defined as sharing or losing opioids. RESULTS: The median age was 53 years, 55% were female, 64% were white, and 86% had advanced cancer. Of those surveyed, 36% stored opioidsin plain sight, 53% kept them hidden but unlocked, and only 15% locked their opioids. However, 73% agreed that they would use a lockbox if given one. Patients who reported that others had asked them for their pain medications (p = 0.004) and those who would use a lockbox if given one (p = 0.019) were more likely to keep them locked. Some 13 patients (12%) used opioidsunsafely by either sharing (5%) or losing (8%) them. Patients who reported being prescribed more pain pills than required (p = 0.032) were more likely to practice unsafe use. Most (78%) were unaware of proper opioiddisposal methods, 6% believed they were prescribed more medication than required, and 67% had unused opioidsat home. Only 13% previously received education about safe disposal of opioids. Overall, 77% (87) of patients reported unsafe storage, unsafe use, or possessed unused opioidsat home. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Many cancer patients presenting to the ED improperly and unsafely store, use, or dispose of opioids, thus highlighting a need to investigate the impact of patient educationon such practices. Language: en