As we look to the start of 2019, NASPA is encouraged by the work pharmacists across the country are doing to address the opioid epidemic. Important conversations between pharmacists, patients and their caregivers are helping more Americans understand the rights, risks and responsibilities associated with prescription opioids. Healthcare providers play a significant role in preventing […]
Allied Against Opioid Abuse Launches Pharmacy Toolkit
To help pharmacists engage and educate their patients about their rights, risks and responsibilities related to prescription opioids, NASPA and the state pharmacy associations worked with Allied Against Opioid Abuse (AAOA) on a toolkit. AAOA is a national education and awareness initiative, which NASPA has joined, to help prevent the abuse and misuse of prescription […]
Survey Suggests Most Consumers Keep Unused Opioids for Future Use
A recent survey commissioned by Allied Against Opioid Abuse (AAOA) reports that 89% of patients who keep their unused prescription opioids save them for future use. This statistic highlights the need to educate the public on the safe use and disposal of prescription opioids to ensure they do not end up in the wrong hands. […]
Naloxone is Saving Lives in Utah
The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) has reported that 4,275 doses of naloxone were dispensed by pharmacists in 2017. Utah is one of many states across the country with a standing order allowing pharmacists to dispense naloxone without a prescription to anyone at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose. “Every dose of naloxone we get […]
NASPA Joins Allied Against Opioid Abuse
The National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations recently joined leading partners across the pharmaceutical drug supply chain and public health organizations to launch Allied Against Opioid Abuse (AAOA), a national education and awareness initiative to help combat the nation’s opioid epidemic. AAOA brings NASPA together with other key healthcare community stakeholders, including the Caregiver Action […]
President’s Commission Releases Final Report on Opioid Crisis
The President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis released its final report this week. The report contains 56 recommendations including an expanded drug court system, educational requirements for prescribers, and a media campaign to publicize preventative services. The following Commission recommendations, among others, may be of particular interest to pharmacy stakeholders: “The […]