Given how many people are killed by prescription opioids and how dangerous these drugs are, it should be no less important for a clinician to check a prescription drug-monitoring program before prescribing an opioid than to check kidney function before prescribing a new blood-pressure medicine.

Caleb Alexander

Categorized in : Health News

Unfortunately, just as with opioids, these medicines are far too accessible in bathrooms and bedrooms and kitchen cabinets all over the country, there are increasing numbers of pharmacies and hospitals and health systems that are building take-back programs for individuals seeking to dispose of these medicines. So I think we'll see more of these in the coming years.

Caleb Alexander

The interventions are needed along the continuum here – from manufacturers to end-users. This is important to keep in mind given the magnitude of addiction, injuries and deaths.

Caleb Alexander

No opioid is entirely safe. by Caleb Alexander

No opioid is entirely safe.

Caleb Alexander

I think clinicians are aware that many of their patients are burdened but have a hard time identifying which patients are burdened.

Caleb Alexander

Most (physician) trainees do not leave medical school or residencies well equipped to talk with patients about the cost of care.

Caleb Alexander