Nevada opioid awareness website launched

The Nevada Board of Medical Examiners has launched a new website designed to help people understand the impact of opioid painkillers.

It’s at www.knowyhourpainmeds.com and is designed as a portal for consumers.

“The Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners understands the impact of the opioid epidemic and the tragic effect on the citizens of Nevada,” said board director Edward Cousineau.

The objective is to increase awareness of those medications including Xanax and Oxycontin and their potential health impacts.

Opioids are reported to have contributed to more than 28,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2014 and half of those were blamed on prescription pills.

The website also provides information on Nevada’s prescription monitoring program, other medications that can counteract an opioid overdose and alternatives to opioids for those suffering chronic pain.

In addition, it allows consumers to file a complaint if they believe a medical provider is inappropriately prescribing those medications.

The website was developed in collaboration with the pharmacy board, osteopathic medicine board, nursing board and board of dental examiners.