Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2017
Strategies and policies to address the opioid epidemic: A case study of Ohio.
To describe the strategies and policies implemented in Ohio to improve opioid safety and to discuss the role that pharmacists can play in implementing, promoting, and enhancing the effectiveness of these policies. ⋯ Strong political support was crucial in Ohio to facilitate the rapid implementation opioid overdose prevention programs and the promotion of public awareness campaigns. However, the misuse and abuse of prescription opioids are complex problems requiring a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. Pharmacists are identified as a crucial component of the state strategy to addressing opioid abuse by promoting responsible prescribing and adopting prevention practices.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2017
Perpetuating stigma or reducing risk? Perspectives from naloxone consumers and pharmacists on pharmacy-based naloxone in 2 states.
Little is known about attitudes of pharmacists and consumers to pharmacy naloxone. We examined perceptions and experiences of pharmacy naloxone from people with opioid use disorder, patients taking chronic opioids for pain, caregivers of opioid users, and pharmacists from 2 early pharmacy naloxone adopter states: Massachusetts and Rhode Island. ⋯ Pharmacies complement community naloxone provision to patients and caregivers. To overcome stigma of naloxone receipt, increased public awareness of naloxone and pharmacist training about naloxone and addiction are required. Pharmacists should offer naloxone via universal opt-out strategies-where all patients meeting evidence-based criteria are offered naloxone-rather than targeted or opt-in strategies-where only patients perceived as high risk or patients who request it are offered naloxone.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2017
Indian Health Service pharmacists engaged in opioid safety initiatives and expanding access to naloxone.
To develop effective pharmacy-based interventions to mitigate harm from opioid use disorders. Programs include responsible opioid prescribing, expanded access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), naloxone, and community interventions. ⋯ Pharmacist involvement in key initiatives including responsible opioid prescribing, expanded access to MAT, and expanded access to naloxone for trained first responders, coupled with an emphasis on enhanced education, illustrates pharmacists' impact with the opioid epidemic.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2017
Nonprescription naloxone and syringe sales in the midst of opioid overdose and hepatitis C virus epidemics: Massachusetts, 2015.
To determine the prevalence of nonprescription naloxone and sterile syringe sales, factors associated with nonprescription sales, geospatial access to nonprescription naloxone and syringe-selling pharmacies, and targets for potential interventions. ⋯ Access to sterile syringes through nonprescription sales is strong across Massachusetts, and although more than 350 pharmacies (45%) reported stocking and selling naloxone to prevent opioid overdose deaths, there is much room for improvement in access and training among pharmacy staff members.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2017
Pharmacists' perceptions regarding the impact of hydrocodone rescheduling on prescription volume, workflow management, and patient outcomes.
To determine (1) pharmacists' perceptions of how rescheduling of hydrocodone combination products (HCPs) from Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Schedule III to DEA Schedule II has influenced prescription volume and revenue, pharmacy workflow management, and patient outcomes; and (2) whether perceptions differed between pharmacists who support versus those who oppose HCP rescheduling. ⋯ Results showed that legislative efforts, such as rescheduling HCPs, influenced pharmacists' perceptions of practice and patient outcomes. Currently, little is known regarding the impact of HCP rescheduling on pharmacy practice. As new laws are passed to address the opioid epidemic in America, more research will be needed to determine whether legislation is an effective means for managing appropriate access to HCPs and other narcotic analgesics.