Prescribers
First, do no harm.
An estimated 11% of Americans experience chronic pain (daily pain typically lasting more than 3 months) and are frequently prescribed opioids for treatment – even though opioids have not been shown to improve patient function over the long-term. The risk of opioid-related overdose increases with daily use. In 2014, nearly 2 million Americans, aged 12 or older, either abused or were dependent on prescription opioids.
Primary care providers account for approximately 50% of opioid pain medications dispensed, yet frequently report concern about opioids and insufficient training in prescribing them. The prescriber section of the Eyes Open website is here to offer you tips on alternative treatment for chronic pain and, when needed, how to prescribe opioids more safely.
And remember, the PMP is a tool you can use to build a healthier population.
As a prescriber or pharmacist, you can use The Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) to gain added clarity into your patients’ medication history. Remind patients that you check the PMP to help better manage their care. Yes, it’s the law, but it is also a way to make sure your patients are not getting more medication than they need.