The state of Pennsylvania launched a new effort to fight the opioid crisis, on Thursday. That’s when the prescription drug monitoring program took effect with the activation of a new online prescription database.
Doctors are now required by law to search the database for each patient, before prescribing opioids or other controlled substances for the first time, or if they believe a patent may be abusing or diverting drugs. Also, pharmacists must enter information into the database, about each controlled drug they dispense. These controlled substances include everything from morphine and oxycodone , to Robitussin cough syrup with codeine, to anti-anxiety medicines, such as Valium and Xanax.
“We’re not here to bust anybody,” said Ron Dick, pharmacist and owner of the Duncansville Pharmacy. He added, “I’ll speak on behalf of the medical community and the pharmacy community, and our staff, we’re here to help not hinder, so if anybody or a loved one, or a friend has an issue, please stop in , speak to us.”
Dick said if the database shows a red flag , he’ll talk confidentially with the customer about possible drug abuse. He’ll also call the prescribing physician and record the issue in the database. He believes the monitoring program will save lives, but won’t harm people who legitimately need the medicine.
He pointed out that every pharmacy will have a poster with a toll free number where possible drug abusers can get help.
The pharmacist said the prescription monitoring program is easy to use and is working smoothly.