OPIOIDS CAN SLOW OR STOP BREATHING.

Will you be able to call for help?

Prescription opioids can be a powerful way to help manage pain. But they can also carry serious effects, including slowed or stopped breathing. You may be at risk and not even know it.
If slowed or stopped breathing happens while you sleep, there’s a chance you might never wake up.

LEARN IF YOU’RE AT RISK
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I am taking opioids for the first time or take them infrequently

Are you taking opioids for the first time? Or have you had infrequent exposure to opioids, especially in the past six month?

I have an existing respiratory condition

Do you have a respiratory condition that impacts your ability to breathe, such as snoring, sleep apnea, COPD, or asthma?

I take opioids at the same time as taking other sedatives

Do you combine opioids with other sedating substances, such as:

  • Alcohol?
  • Prescription sedating drugs, including sleep or anxiety medications known as benzodiazepines and gabapentinoids?
  • Over-the-counter sedating drugs, including some antihistamines and antinausea medications?
I have a chronic health condition

Do you have a chronic health condition that affects your organs (lung, liver) or conditions like heart disease, obesity, or HIV?

I take higher doses of opioids

Do you take higher doses of opioids? (e.g. >50 morphine milligram equivalents per day)

I have a history of substance use disorder

Do you have a history of substance abuse, illicit drug use, or a reduced tolerance to opioids following a detox?

You did not select any of these risk factors. However, it’s possible to experience slowed or stopped breathing at any time while taking prescription opioids.

Consult your healthcare provider for more information.

References:

  • 1 Estimate: Masimo data on file.
  • 2 Shah et al. J Clin Anesth. 2012;24(5):385-91.
  • 3 Barker SJ, Wilson WC: Accuracy of Masimo SET ® Pulse Oximetry in Black and White Volunteer Subjects: A Retrospective Review – in press – Abstract accepted by Society of Technology in Anesthesiology – Available online Jan 15, 2022.
  • 4 McGrath S et al. J Patient Saf. 2020 14 Mar. DOI: 10.1097/PTS.0000000000000696.
  • * Alert levels are preset but can be customized by you or on the advice of a physician.
  • Emergency contacts must agree to receive alerts.

PLCO-005708/PLM-13812A-0322

Masimo SafetyNet Alert