The name says it all: Embeda – because embedded in this new opioid is what is known as an opioid antagonist – a medication guaranteed to reverse the action of any opioid – and it does it by totally reversing the effects of the narcotic. Yes, because so many narcotics are abused by crushing, snorting and shooting the active ingredient, this new medication, manufactured by King, combines the narcotic morphine with its nemesis, naltrexone.

Now the naltrexone is a sleeper agent and doesn’t come into effect unless the pill is crushed or chewed. When that happens, the opioid antagonist is released and within moments, the analgesic effects of morphine are completely reversed. Neat huh?

Actually, it’s kind of sad really that we need a pain medication that can’t be abused – well at least not by being crushed etc. But as practitioners we worry all the time about narcotic abuse and addiction when treating people with chronic pain – yet we want to do the right thing by them and treat their pain appropriately.

The fact is Embeda can still be diverted just like any other narcotic. Regular pill counts and random urine screens for those who we regularly prescribe narcotics to are, sadly, the ways we as practitioners have of protecting ourselves from those who seek to abuse narcotics.