Opioid Misuse and Addiction

Opioids, sometimes called narcotics, are a type of drug. They include strong prescription pain relievers, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and tramadol. The illegal drug heroin is also an opioid. When used correctly under a health care provider's direction, prescription pain medicines are helpful. However, misusing prescription opioids risks dependence and addiction.

MedlinePlus has information on opioid use, misuse, addiction, and treatment plus links to accurate and unbiased information.

Get the facts on opioids.

Juvenile Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, which can cause swelling, pain, stiffness, and loss of motion. When arthritis happens in children, it's called juvenile arthritis. Medicines and physical therapy can reduce swelling and pain, and help children keep moving. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments.

Cleft Lip and Palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur when a baby's lip or mouth do not form properly. A baby can have a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both. Most of these clefts can be diagnosed during pregnancy by a routine ultrasound. Surgery is often needed to repair the upper lip and palate. Research shows that there are some factors that increase the chance of having a baby with a cleft lip or cleft palate. Find out more about the management and treatment of cleft lip and palate.

Liver Transplantation

Did you know that your liver is the largest organ inside your body? It helps your body digest food, store energy, and remove poisons. You can't live without it!

A liver transplant is surgery to replace a diseased or injured liver with a healthy liver from a donor. For a person with liver failure, a liver transplant can save his or her life.

Cord Blood Testing

Cord blood is found in the blood vessels of the placenta and the umbilical cord. It is collected after a baby is born and after the umbilical cord is cut. Cord blood testing is done to evaluate a newborn's health. Cord blood can also be used to treat certain types of bone marrow-related cancers.