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Diane Sawyer Takes You Inside ‘a Nation of Women Behind Bars’
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/diane-sawyer-takes-inside-nation-women-bars-29239952
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Could this be any of us ?
Posted on February 27, 2015 by Pharmaciststeve
Is this what happens when you have no PLAN B and a poor PLAN A ?
Posted on February 27, 2015 by Pharmaciststeve
Re:Cronic pain/real nightmares. So my regular pain management Dr snowed in, in Kansas. Plus can’t see him till next Mon anyhow. So his nurse says says call local emergency room to
Obtain small amount of pain meds. Of course they say no way. So now I’m stuck with no pain pills for a week. I’m left wondering why people in pain are treated like criminals and with no compassion???
To quote a couple of readers recently on just such a hypothetical situation …
“…It will never happen…” and “.. Better pray that it doesn’t happen ..”
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Amazing what a communication from an attorney can do
Posted on February 27, 2015 by Pharmaciststeve
I was finally able to get my scripts filled by a walgreens after I hired a lawyer(actually a friend) and had him send over a notice of or summons for a court hearing regarding a discrimination lawsuit for discriminating against me basically calling me a drug addict. There’s a difference between discretion and discrimination. Within 24hrs of the paperwork being served I had the corporate manager calling me asking me to please reconsider and that they would promise to get me meds. Well so far they are back to filling my meds.
This showed up on a FB website… could it be that there is too many things being dug up by investigative reporters, now pts are threatening to sue them… maybe the investigative reporters are not impacting their bottom line that much.. LAWSUIT… a whole different game ?
Apparently this person decided to STOP DOING NOTHING… and in doing so.. HE GOT SOMETHING… WALGREENS FILLING HIS MEDICALLY NECESSARY MEDS ! I wonder what happen to their blanket statement that “WE CAN’T FORCE A PHARMACIST TO FILL OR NOT FILL YOUR RX ” ?
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Winter Park pain clinic raided, 5 arrested for trafficking
Posted on February 27, 2015 by Pharmaciststeve
WINTER PARK —
By Amanda McKenzie, Reporter
Last Updated: Wednesday, February 04, 2015, 4:01 PM
Several agencies raided an Orange County pain clinic Wednesday and arrested five people based on evidence that authorities said suggests the business was operating as an illegal pill mill.
Throughout the day multiple agencies seized evidence at the Winter Park Pain and Wellness Clinic on Granada Drive, off Fairbanks near I-4 and the home of the clinic’s owner on Fairway Drive, off State Road 436.
For the past six years, nearby businesses reported suspicious activity surrounding the pain clinic, alleging that the clinic was dispensing highly addictive and lethal pain killers without proper prescriptions.
Wednesday morning it was business as usual with about 15 patients waiting inside, when the clinic was raided.
Investigators said it was a common sight to see dozens of people lined up outside, just waiting to be seen by Dr. Roland Brutus.
“It was clear that this was a pill mill,” said Don VanDingenen, one of the nearby business neighbors who reported the pill mill.
It cost $250 just to walk in the door, but patients also had to pass a urine test proving they were already taking pain killers or heroin.
“There was an armed guard at the front door every day that they were open,” Larry Zweig, director of the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation said. “Screening the patients to make sure they understood the rules.”
Agents raided the clinic, taking bags of evidence and thousands of dollars in cash.
Dr. Brutus and his staff members were taken away in handcuffs.
“I have been waiting for this day for six years,” VanDingenen said.
Dr. Brutus, along with the owner, Eric Emerson, and three staff members are charged with trafficking, racketeering and conspiracy.
“They all knew what was going on and they were making hundreds of thousands of dollars on distributing hundreds of thousands of pain pills for the last few years,” Zweig said.
Drugs like hydrocodone, OxyContin, morphine, and Valium were all routinely prescribed. The cash-only clinic had patients from all over the state.
Owner Eric Emerson, was taken into custody before the raid. His home was also part of the search. Agents seized thousands of dollars in cash and at least four luxury cars.
This is still an ongoing investigation involving MBI, the State Department of Health and Homeland Security.
Interestingly, no pills have been recovered so far. Investigators said this was just the location where the prescriptions for pain killers were written, not dispensed.
The MBI said the investigation was ongoing, and asked anyone with information related to the Winter Park Pain and Wellness Center to call (407) 836-9701.
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Does this study suggest MASSIVE under treatment of chronic pain ?
Posted on February 26, 2015 by Pharmaciststeve
Patients Opt for Stronger Opioids
High-potency agents like oxycodone soared in popularity over the last decade.
More patients are using stronger opioids than they were a decade ago, government researchers said.
In 2011-2012, far more patients reported using opioids in the last 30 days that were more potent than morphine compared with weaker-than-morphine opioids (37% versus 20%), Leonard Paulozzi, MD, MPH, of the CDC in Atlanta, and colleagues reported in an NCHS Data Brief.
Those numbers were effectively reversed from the 1999-2002 figures, when about 42% used weaker-than-morphine opioids compared with 17% who used stronger-than-morphine opioids.
The flip isn’t a surprise; these stronger opioids include oxycodone, fentanyl, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, and methadone — drugs that have been more commonly prescribed over the time period of the study.
Opioids that are weaker than morphine include tramadol, codeine, dihydrocodeine, meperidine, pentazocine, and propoxyphene.
Hydrocodone and tapentadol are equivalent to morphine, and 30-day use of these drugs has remained relatively stable.
MedPage Today and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel have documented a liberalization in opioid prescribing during the late 1990s and early 2000s, and those numbers were often led by sales of OxyContin, the most popular branded form of oxycodone.
The latest NCHS data release also reflects that increase. Use of opioid analgesics among U.S. adults more than doubled from 3.4% in 1988-1994 to 6.9% in 2011-2012, Paulozzi and colleagues report.
Use plateaued in the 2003-2006 period, at 6.9%, which had risen from 5% in 1999-2000.
The researchers also analyzed 30-day opioid use by various demographic factors for the time period 2007-2012.
They found that more women reported opioid use than men (7.2% versus 6.3%) and that there was greater use among whites than among blacks or Hispanics (7.5% versus 6.5% and 4.9%, respectively).
Use was also greater among older patients, with 8.1% of those ages 40 to 59 and 7.9% of those age 60 and up reporting 30-day opioid use compared with 4.7% of those ages 20 to 39.
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Spend TEN DOLLARS trying to save a PENNY ?
Posted on February 26, 2015 by Pharmaciststeve
Watched my 80 year old neighbor in congestive heart failure be forced to change pharmacies after 20 years because his insurance no longer would cover his old grocery store pharmacy. He hand delivered new scripts to the CVS across the street where we live. They filled everything but his pain meds and said they didn’t have them. This was a Friday. By Sunday night he was forced to call an ambulance. He was in so much pain, his body so swollen his blood pressure was well over 200/100. He was treated at the ER for BP and pain and released. The next day, Monday he talked with his docs office who promptly called the local CVS and sure enough, his pain meds were filled that day.
I felt awful for this man being forced to suffer even more than normal. The cost of the ambulance and ER visit and additional stress almost killed him.
As a chronic pain patient with RSD and pulmonary sarcoidosis, I can’t even begin to tell of the horror stories in support groups about being cut off from meds, blacklisted because not enough med was in their system. It’s not unusual to not take a dose if not needed in chronic pain as flare ups come and go. Now we are forced to take it if we need it or not?? The suicides I have seen in each of these support groups is heartbreaking. You will never find a true chronic pain patient taking any med they don’t need. We don’t enjoy taking meds or giving up our lives to pain. We don’t enjoy being discriminated against in our communities. We don’t enjoy the countless side effects of medication. We don’t enjoy being alienated by friends and family. This cruelty is beyond words and is a crime against humanity.
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A comment that should not be missed
Posted on February 26, 2015 by Pharmaciststeve
Down here in Hammond Louisiana the Pharmacists deliberately and carelessly choosing to fill a prescription is not just because its early but discrimination based on religious preference and artists of religious genres are be discriminated against. My husband is an international and demanded portrait sculptor with media and exposure and mtiple press ops.
In the ever-expanding world of weight loss supplements, LivPure has gained significant attention. Promoted as a revolutionary product for shedding pounds effortlessly, LivPure has sparked curiosity among those seeking effective weight management solutions. However, the flood of LivPure reviews and claims has raised suspicions about the authenticity and safety of this supplement. In this article, we will dissect LivPure’s reputation, examining both the hype and skepticism, while striving to provide clarity on whether LivPure is a safe and reliable choice for weight loss.
The LivPure Hype
LivPure’s rise to fame can be attributed to its marketing campaigns and the enthusiastic testimonials of its users. It boasts a natural formula that supposedly accelerates weight loss by enhancing metabolism and suppressing appetite. The promise of shedding excess fat without resorting to strenuous workouts and restrictive diets is certainly alluring, making LivPure a go-to option for many individuals struggling with weight issues.
Fake Reviews and Unsubstantiated Claims
However, not everything that glitters is gold, and this applies to LivPure as well. A closer look at LivPure’s online presence reveals an alarming number of fake reviews and over-the-top testimonials. Numerous websites and social media accounts are saturated with glowing LivPure reviews that often lack authenticity and credibility. These reviews usually read like marketing scripts rather than genuine user experiences, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the claims.
Consumer Reports Investigation
Consumer Reports, a renowned source for unbiased product evaluations, recently initiated an investigation into LivPure’s claims and effectiveness. Their comprehensive analysis sought to separate fact from fiction by conducting rigorous tests and surveys among LivPure users.
The results of the Consumer Reports investigation are eye-opening. While LivPure did show some potential benefits for weight loss, these benefits were far from the miraculous transformations depicted in the fake reviews. LivPure was found to have a mild effect on metabolism and appetite suppression, which, when combined with a healthy lifestyle, could aid in weight loss.
However, Consumer Reports also emphasized that LivPure is not a magic pill for instant weight loss. To achieve meaningful results, users must incorporate LivPure into a broader regimen of proper diet and exercise. This is a critical point to note, as the hype surrounding LivPure often portrays it as a stand-alone solution.
Safety Concerns
Another aspect that cannot be overlooked is the safety of LivPure. Many weight loss supplements on the market have been associated with adverse side effects, some of which can be severe. LivPure, in its marketing materials, claims to be safe due to its natural ingredients. However, it’s essential to remember that “natural” does not necessarily equate to “safe” or “effective.”
Consumer Reports found no major safety concerns with LivPure when used as directed. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your daily routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Conclusion
The LivPure weight loss supplement has garnered significant attention due to its marketing hype and enthusiastic reviews. However, as the Consumer Reports investigation has revealed, the reality falls short of the extravagant claims made by many promoters. LivPure does have some potential benefits for weight management when used alongside a healthy lifestyle, but it is not a miraculous solution for shedding pounds effortlessly.
Moreover, the prevalence of fake reviews and unsubstantiated claims raises concerns about the transparency and credibility of the LivPure marketing campaign. In the world of weight loss supplements, skepticism is healthy, and it is crucial to approach such products with caution.
In conclusion, if you are considering LivPure or any similar weight loss supplement, it is essential to maintain realistic expectations, seek guidance from healthcare professionals, and rely on reputable sources of information like Consumer Reports to make informed decisions about your weight loss journey. Remember that there are no shortcuts to achieving a healthy weight; it requires dedication, consistency, and a balanced approach to diet and exercise.
He in short is a famous world renowned portrait sculptor. The issue stated when he dropped his prescription for an anti convulsant medicine off and the CVS and , needless to say on other occasions this was done to him…he dropped it off and the pharmacy said they were not in stock. They would call him as he was dropping it off knowing he’s had a few to last the next few months. On or about 2 days later he returned thinking it was back in stock. They said it would be another week. He complied until the next month the exact date of the original prescription and was told he was early due to the out of stock ant seizure meds , he suffers epileptic seizures and although he’s due to thier late standard of protocols. He has been declining in health, having more seizure attacks and health declining the blame on my husband by saying he’s 7 days early due to the last fill. The insurance company and his doctor agree that they are being in contempt of the doctors appointment orders and fear the coverup of not ordering the medications for life threatening conditions. Instead of billing his insurance on the drop off date they did so on the late stock date. Wavering He is early but according to his doctor and insurance company they are in violation because its not a schedule drug that is of addiction or dependent quality but an overall life threatening dispensory drug. These pharmacist in the southeastern portion of Louisiana are breaching the doctor and insurance company orders but she me thing has them thinking they aren’t responsible if my husband dies behind the wheel of a car because a pharmacist is trying to cover up discrimination and or incompetence and mostly describe mating because he has a semi private insurance. This must be looked into in the tangipahoa parish Louisiana area. What is at stake is not a license but a good man treated like a disposable care less. As a portrait sculptor that’s been recognised we also believe a little hatred due to all he’s accomplished since his medication was adjusted for survival, he’s achieved much of the American dream. The pharmacy seems to be paranoid and the care lies in their personal interest instead of the patient…going so far as to deny doctors and insurance orders. Where 10 years ago these were the abuses by patients not the pharmacist. He is going to use his media publicised image to bring light to the many as he is that suffer. Thank you and please intervention on a scheduled 4 drug like blood pressure meds. Sincerely , concerned family
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Things have changed – not out of choice
Posted on February 26, 2015 by Pharmaciststeve
Apparently the theme that I was using for my blog was UPDATED… and when the update redisplayed… to me . it was more F-uped .. so I was forced to abruptly change themes… hopefully the author of the original theme will get things back to normal soon
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OK BOP member doesn’t care if chronic pain gets treated ?
Posted on February 26, 2015 by Pharmaciststeve
Hydrocodone no longer Oklahoma’s top prescribed drug
http://www.koco.com/news/hydrocodone-no-longer-oklahomas-top-prescribed-drug/31475146
Hydrocodone is no longer the top drug prescribed to Oklahoma Medicaid patients.
The Oklahoman reports that according to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the painkiller hydrocodone has held the top spot for more than five years but has been replaced by an allergy medication.
Authority officials the drop is due to the changes in state and federal guidelines that reclassified hydrocodone as a more restrictive drug, which makes it more burdensome to prescribe.
Oklahoma law bans prescription drugs containing hydrocodone from being refilled by a pharmacy, which forces patients to visit doctors every time they want prescriptions.
Pharmacist Eric Winegardner, who serves on the state board that analyzes the drugs Medicaid members receive, has been bothered for years by the high rate at which hydrocodone is prescribed.
“I’ve brought it up several times in the meetings,” said Winegardner, a longtime Drug Utilization Review board member. “It’s preposterous for the health care authority to be feeding this problem and for it to be our highest prescribed medication for the class of people we serve, and I’m very happy to see this knocked out of the top spot.“
The state has seen the number of overdose deaths from prescription drugs more than double in the past 12 years, according to officials. Deaths due to hydrocodone and oxycodone have more than quadrupled in number.
“I haven’t gotten really excited about it dropping off the No. 1 prescribed medication because it shouldn’t have ever been there to begin with,” Winegardner said. “I’m interested to see how it will do going forward. I’m interested in what it’s going to look like five years from now. Hopefully we can get it out of the top 10 and just have it being used for acute pain, rather than chronic pain.”
In November, cetirizine hydrochloride, also known as Zyrtec, became the most prescribed drug.
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The consequences of this court ruling could be very interesting
Posted on February 26, 2015 by Pharmaciststeve
Pharmacy faces negligence lawsuit after painkiller overdose
Should a pharmacy or pharmacist be liable for filling valid and legal prescriptions written by a doctor? Pharmacy industry observers are watching closely as that answer is likely to be provided in a Florida court.
An appeals court recently ruled that Daytona Discount Pharmacy and its owner, Manish Patel, should stand trial for the overdose death of a patient who filled his anti-anxiety and painkiller prescriptions at that pharmacy.
Doctors writing fewer painkiller Rxs
According to an article in the Daytona Beach News Journal, 34-year-old Steven Porter died in 2011 after taking a combination of Xanax and hydrocodone. His mother filed a negligence lawsuit against her son’s doctor, the pharmacy, and the pharmacy’s owner. The doctor settled.
The pharmacy was accused of filling at least 30 prescriptions in a two-year span, even though it should have known that the previous prescriptions had not been depleted.
Lawyers for the pharmacy argued that it had no duty to Porter other than filling “valid and lawful prescriptions.” Circuit Judge William A Parsons agreed with the pharmacy and dismissed the case.
However, a three-judge appellate court in Daytona Beach overturned that ruling. In its opinion, the judges wrote: “A pharmacist’s duty to use due and proper care in filling a prescription extends beyond simply following the prescribing physician’s direction…. Pharmacists are required to exercise that degree of care that an ordinarily prudent pharmacist would under the same or similar circumstances.”
At least one legal analyst called the appellate court decision questionable. “Do not forget that this pharmacy did nothing more than fill valid and lawful prescriptions, which the patient’s doctor kept writing over a period of years,” attorney Steven Boranian wrote on Lexology. “We can see imposing a duty to avoid mistakes in dispensing and compounding products, and one of the cases that the court cited provides a possible example….But the duty imposed in [this case] is considerably broader and somewhat nebulous.”
Boranian added: “Does a pharmacist have a duty to suggest different dosage based on what he or she knows about the patient? Does a pharmacist have a duty to suggest alternate drugs or otherwise second guess physicians? Does a pharmacist have a duty to question a patient about other medications he or she may be getting from other pharmacies, which is common drug-seeking behavior? Does a pharmacist have a duty to warn of a prescription drug’s known and reasonably knowable risks? The answer to all these questions clearly is No.”
Like all other things that are put out there.. the facts that are presented typically reflects only the tip of the iceberg of the entire set of facts. We know the medications involved… but not the strengths or the number of doses/mgs that the pt was taking per day. We all know that docs are notorious for not truthful with Pharmacists in what they tell the pt or allow the pt in how many doses they can take per day.
The bottom line is that any patient getting controlled meds, that they have on hand enough to OD when they first get a Rx filled… if they are so inclined to.
If the courts rule in favor of the Pharmacy/Pharmacist, IMO… it could blow all those Pharmacist out of the water that are just “not comfortable” filling controlled meds for Rxs that have been written by a properly licensed prescriber and otherwise the medication(s) are on time and most likely medically necessary. Could this ruling set into motion that a Pharmacist could be equally liable for denying, reducing or otherwise changing what the prescriber has prescribed… as they would be for filling too many/too early Rxs and/or dispensing the wrong medication or dose ?
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