Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2017
Implementing an overdose education and naloxone distribution program in a health system.
To design and implement a health system-wide program increasing provision of take-home naloxone in patients at risk for opioid overdose, with the downstream aim of reducing fatalities. The program includes health care professional education and guidelines, development, and dissemination of patient education materials, electronic health record changes to promote naloxone prescriptions, and availability of naloxone in pharmacies. ⋯ Initiating and implementing an overdose education and naloxone distribution program is feasible in an academic health system.
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The epidemic of opioid prescription deaths in recent years resulted in the recent rescheduling of hydrocodone-containing products to restrict access to them. Opioid users have recognized that loperamide can ameliorate withdrawal symptoms and also produce euphoria in very high doses. This article discusses the potential for loperamide misuse and abuse and examines trends in the increasing number of published cases of loperamide toxicity. ⋯ Loperamide misuse and abuse is increasing in the United States, and pharmacists are encouraged to monitor and restrict their sales.
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J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) · Mar 2017
Development of a targeted naloxone coprescribing program in a primary care practice.
To develop a targeted naloxone coprescribing program in a primary care practice. ⋯ Pharmacists embedded in a primary care practice are well poised to develop a targeted naloxone coprescribing program to increase patients' access to naloxone.
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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
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.