Adverse effect of opium, initial encounter

This code signifies an undesirable or harmful reaction to the therapeutic use of opium. This includes any adverse symptom or condition arising from the proper administration of the drug, rather than from poisoning or overdose. It specifically indicates the initial phase of treatment for this adverse effect.

Apply this code when a patient experiences an adverse reaction to opium prescribed and taken as directed, and they are presenting for the first time for this specific issue. Examples include allergic reactions, severe constipation, or respiratory depression occurring during the initial treatment period with opium.

• Always assign an additional code for the specific manifestation of the adverse effect (e.g., R06.02 for shortness of breath).
• Distinguish from poisoning (T40.0X1-) or underdosing (T40.0X6-) which have different code categories.
• The 7th character "A" indicates an initial encounter for the adverse effect, not necessarily the first time the patient took opium.