Special Report

Filling prescriptions for controlled substances

Drug Topics contributor Steve Ariens has written in the past on the suffering of chronic pain patients when their legitimate prescriptions for pain relief are refused. In last Saturday’s Special Report, he offered these patients instructions on how they can file official complaints. Because many readers perceived this as an attack on their judgment, Drug Topics offered Steve an opportunity to clarify his position. Here he outlines the importance of establishing prescription department protocols.

I believe that the decision to fill or deny a prescription for a controlled drug should be based on facts. If you have a questionable prescription, hold onto it until you can confirm whether it is or is not written for a legitimate medical reason.

OTHER COVERAGE

• When valid prescriptions are refused

• DEA official blames pharmacists, doctors for pain-med denials

• DEA vs. ADA: Pharmacists and the rock or the hard place

• The pain-med choke point

• The Hundred Years' War

Let us know what you think. Log in and post your comments — or send your own opinion piece to drugtopics@advanstar.com for posting at the DT Blog.

Editorial Questions? Contact the Editorial Team. Click Here.
Sales, Reprints, Classified questions? Contact the Sales Team. Click Here.