Pubdate: Sat, 25 Feb 2012
Source: Miami Herald (FL)
Copyright: 2012 Miami Herald Media Co.
Contact:  http://www.miamiherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/262
Author: David S. Craig

PILL-MILL EFFORTS HURT LEGITIMATE PATIENTS

After reading the Feb. 1 article DEA: Sharp drop in Florida oxycodone 
purchases, highlighting the recent drop in Florida pharmacy purchases 
of oxycodone, I was stuck by the lack of balance and sensitivity 
toward legitimate patients.

As a pharmacist who cares for cancer patients on a daily basis, I'm 
increasingly concerned that many of the efforts to reduce pill mills 
in Florida have not only reduced the amount of pain medications 
available to those trying to abuse and sell them, but it has also 
reduced the ability for legitimate patients to obtain them.

It's disconcerting to hear the stories of patients having to drive 
over 100 miles, just to find adequate supplies of their pain 
medication either because their pharmacy is afraid to stock these 
medicines, or they are unable to order enough supplies from drug 
wholesalers. To me, this isn't good news. 

Today, there are too many news stories that talk about law-enforcement 
successes about the reduction in the number of pills in Florida, the 
number of doctors and pharmacists arrested, or the number of pill 
mills shut down. But no one is talking about the unintended 
consequences for real patients.

Should people fighting cancer also have to spend energy and countless 
hours in pain just to find their medications? 

Will we be touting victory when we've further cut supplies of pain 
medications and legitimate patients are denied their medications?

What we need is a more balanced approach aimed at reducing drug abuse 
within our state and our nation that ensures that appropriate medical 
treatments are available for all patients. Let's save the victory 
party until we reach this goal.

David S. Craig

PharmD, Tampa
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.