Episode Three: Teacher Guide

Transcription

1 DRUG WATCH In this activity, the students will learn about the risks and benefits of different analgesics. Background Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics are medications that can be taken without a doctor's supervision. Generally, a prescription from a doctor is required if the drug: can be addictive; has a high risk of producing toxic effects; requires special equipment to use; and is for a condition that cannot be easily self-diagnosed. The use of OTC analgesics may be less restricted than that of their prescription counterparts, but that does not mean that these medicines do not carry risks. Just like the prescription variety, OTC analgesics can produce powerful effects on the body, some of which can be dangerous. The type of analgesic needed for relief depends on the level of pain. For most mild pain, an OTC pain medication such as ibuprofen (Advil ) can be taken. However, for more severe pain, a prescription analgesic may be required. For example, an opiate like codeine is often prescribed for moderate pain, and morphine is given for moderate to severe pain. Both codeine and morphine can be addictive, but when used with proper medical supervision, the risk of addiction from these substances is very low. Heroin is another opiate analgesic that is effective in treating severe pain. However, this drug is illegal in the United States, which means that it is not available OTC or by prescription. The use of heroin is banned because it is a HIGHLY addictive substance. It can produce other dangerous effects as well. Therefore, the risk this drug poses to the user s health has been deemed to outweigh its benefit as an analgesic. The Reconstructors 17 Analgesic Anxiety Activity 3.2

2 Learning Objectives The student will: Research the health risks and benefits of OTC and prescription analgesics. Research the health risks of heroin. Write a poem about the health risks of using heroin. Materials Drug Watch Student Activity Sheets computer with Internet access Procedure 1. Discuss with students the similarities and differences between OTC and prescription drugs. In the discussion, include an explanation of why some drugs are only available by prescription. 2. Give examples of OTC and prescription analgesics, including ibuprofen (OTC), codeine (prescription), and morphine (prescription). Inform the students of the risks and benefits of codeine and morphine, which are opiates. 3. Tell students that, as part of their Reconstructor mission, they need to determine the risks and benefits of analgesics. 4. Divide the class into groups of two or three students. Hand out the Drug Watch Student Activity Sheets. 5. Have the students determine the degree(s) of pain each drug is used for (a benefit) and the risks of using the drug. Drugs can have many types of risks. The students should find information on the drug s side effects and whether it is habit-forming (addictive). A suggested site for students research is: Medline Plus: Health Information Have the students complete the table on the student activity sheet. The Reconstructors 18 Analgesic Anxiety Activity 3.2

3 7. Next, have the students read about the health risks of heroin use. Suggested sites are: NIDA InfoFacts: Heroin Neuroscience for Kids: Heroin 8. Explain to students what an acrostic poem is and then have them make one with the word HEROIN on the health risks of using the drug. This poem will help the people of Neuropolis remember the drug s dangers. An acrostic poem is one in which the first letter of each line of the poem represents a letter in the word that is being spelled out. In the case of the word heroin, the first line of the poem could be Highly addictive drug. See sample poem layout below: Highly addictive drug E R O I N The Reconstructors 19 Analgesic Anxiety Activity 3.2

4 Extension Activities History: Investigate the history of a particular pain medication. Science: Interview a doctor or pharmacist on what types of pain medications he/she believes have changed the medical field. Science: Examine the process a drug must go through in order to be approved by the FDA for OTC use and/or prescription use. Standards National Science Education Standards, Grades 5-8 Science Content Standard F: All students should develop understanding of personal health. Science Content Standard F: All students should develop understanding of risks and benefits. Books National Research Council National Science Education Standards. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. Web Sites Food and Drug Administration: Consumer Drug Information Food and Drug Administration: Over-the-Counter Drug Products Food and Drug Administration: Rx to OTC MEDLINEplus: About Your Medicines Ohio State University Senior Series: and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications The Reconstructors 20 Analgesic Anxiety Activity 3.2

5 Episode Three: Student Activity Sheet DRUG WATCH Stories and documents from the past refer to powerful drugs, but what are their risks and benefits? Can you find this information? All depends on you! Materials computer with Internet access Procedure Part I: OTC and Analgesics 1. Research the drugs listed in the table. Find the level of pain each drug is used to manage (a benefit), two side effects of using the drug, and whether it is addictive (habit-forming). 2. You can research the drugs using this reference or with references suggested by your teacher. MEDLINEplus: Health Information. (On the page above, use the MedMaster entries for each drug.) Part II: Heroin 1. Read about the health risks of heroin use. Suggested sites are: NIDA InfoFacts: Heroin Neuroscience for Kids: Heroin 2. Write an acrostic poem on the health risks from heroin use in the Heroin section of the student activity sheet. This poem will help the people of Neuropolis remember heroin s dangers. The Reconstructors 21 Analgesic Anxiety Activity 3.2

6 Episode Three: Student Activity Sheet Name Class Date Drug Watch List of Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Pain Medications Instructions: Fill in the missing information. Name OTC or Level of pain (Benefits) Two Side Effects (Risks) Habit-forming? (Risk) Acetaminophen OTC Aspirin OTC Methadone Oral (by mouth) Meperidine Oxycodone Propoxyphene The Reconstructors 22 Analgesic Anxiety Activity 3.2

7 Episode Three: Student Activity Sheet Name Class Date Drug Watch: Heroin Instructions: Write an acrostic poem on heroin s health risks. H E R O I N The Reconstructors 23 Analgesic Anxiety Activity 3.2