Consent for Chronic Opioid Therapy

Kazi Hassan M.D/ Sardha Perera M.D./ Jose Rivera, M.D. / Neil Ellis, M.D. is prescribing opioid

medicine, sometimes called narcotic analgesics, to me. This decision was made because my condition is serious or other

treatments have not helped my pain.

I am aware that the use of such medicine has certain risks associated with it. including, but not limited to: sleepiness or

drowsiness, constipation, nausea, itching, vomiting, dizziness, allergic reaction, slowing of breathing rate, slowing of

reflexes or reaction time, physical dependence, tolerance to analgesia, addiction and possibility that the medicine will not

provide complete pain relief.

I am aware about the possible risks and benefits of other types of treatments that do not involve the use of opioids.

I will tell my doctor about all other medicines and treatments that I am receiving.

I will not be involved in any activity that may be dangerous to me or someone else if I feel drowsy or am not thinking

clearly. I am aware that even if I do not notice it, my reflexes and reaction time might still be slowed. Such activities

include, but are not limited to: using heavy equipment or a motor vehicle, working in unprotected heights or being

responsible for another individual who is unable to care for himself or herself.

I am aware that certain other medicines such as nalbuphine (Nubain TM), pentazocine (TalwinT

“‘), buprenorphine

(BuprenexTr”), and butorphanol (StadolTM), may reverse the action of the medicine I am using for pain control. Taking any

of these other medicines while I am taking my pain medicines can cause symptoms like a bad flu, called a withdrawal

syndrome. I agree not to take any of these medicines and to tell any other doctors that I am taking an opioid as my pain

medicine and cannot take any of the medicines listed above.

I am aware that addiction is defined as the use of a medicine even if it causes harm, having cravings for a drug, feeling the

need to use a drug and a decreased quality of life. I am aware that the chance of becoming addicted to my pain medicine is

very low. I am aware that the development of addiction has been reported rarely in medical journals and is much more

common in a person who has a family or personal history of addiction. I agree to tell my doctor my complete and honest

personal drug history and that of my family to the best of my knowledge.

I understand that physical dependence is a normal, expected result of using these medicines for a long time.

I understand that physical dependence is not the same as addiction. I am aware physical dependence means that if my

pain medicine use is markedly decreased, stopped or reversed by some of the agents mentioned above, I will experience a

withdrawal syndrome. This means I may have any or all of the following: runny nose, yawning, large pupils, goose

bumps, abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, irritability, aches throughout my body and a flu-like feeling. I am aware

that opioid withdrawal is uncomfortable but not life threatening.

I am aware that tolerance to analgesia means that I may require more medicine to get the same amount of pain relief. I am

aware that tolerance to analgesia does not seem to be a big problem for most patients with chronic pain; however, it has

been seen and may occur to me. If it occurs, increasing doses may not always help and may cause unacceptable side

effects. Tolerance or failure to respond well to opioids may cause my doctor to choose another form of treatment.

(Males only) I am aware that chronic opioid use has been associated with low testosterone levels in males. This may

affect my mood, stamina, sexual desire and physical and sexual performance. I understand that my doctor may check my

blood to see if my testosterone level is normal.

(Females Only) If I plan to become pregnant or believe that I have become pregnant while taking this pain medicine, I

will immediately call my obstetric doctor and this office to inform them. I am aware that, should I carry a baby to

delivery while taking these medicines; the baby will be physically dependent upon opioids. I am aware that the use of

opioids is not generally associated with a risk of birth defects. However, birth defects can occur whether or not the

mother is on medicines and there is always the possibility that my child will have a birth defect while I am taking an

opioid.

I understand that I must remain a patient of my primary medical doctor. If I switch doctors or no longer am treated by

this physician, I must notify Florida Medical Pain Management immediately, then the

doctor will make a decision about continuing to treat my pain management requirements.

I have read this form or have had it read to me. I understand all of it. I have had a chance to have all of my questions

regarding this treatment answered to my satisfaction. By signing this form voluntarily, I give my consent for the

treatment of my pain with opioid pain medicines.

Please be aware that your first visit to our clinic is only an evaluation and that narcotic pain medication will not be

prescribed.