The study looked at nearly 28,000 people age 66 or older who were given opioids in the week following minor surgical procedures, and nearly 10 percent of the patients were still using opioids — primarily oxycodone and codeine — one year after the operations.
The authors of the study suggested that physicians first try non-opioid pain relievers after minor surgery, and if necessary, prescribe a light dosage of opioids to start.
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