Opioids in 2019: Insights into New Regulations and Studies of the Epidemic
5 MIN READ
Momentum in battling the opioid crisis continues. As more states enact opioid prescribing limits, the federal government proposes new legislation, while new studies look at the impact of opioid laws and medical marijuana on lessening opioid abuse.
How Naloxone Can Help Fight the Opioid Crisis
3 MIN READ
As the U.S. looks for ways to stem the opioid crisis, one major strategy that has emerged is the use of naloxone to counteract opioid overdoses. The FDA’s recent approval of the generic form of Narcan®, which is the first generic formulation for naloxone nasal spray, provides another avenue to reverse the impact of the opioid crisis.
Morphine Equivalent Dose (MED) Continues to Decline
3 MIN READ
In 2018 Coventry’s pharmacy benefit management solution, First Script®, saw a 7.8% decrease in average MED per prescription for its retail and mail-order channels. This was the largest decrease in the last 5 years across First Script’s retail and mail-order programs. In addition, there was a reduction in the percentage of opioid scripts with greater than or equal to 90 MED. To better understand why this is important let’s answer a few questions.
Top Therapeutic Classes by Age of Claim in 2018
1 MIN READ
In this video blog we discuss the types of medications utilized by ill or injured workers can vary depending on the age of the claim and differences in claim population. Understanding the most-utilized types of medications in younger vs. older claims can help guide decision-making and aid in identifying opportunities for intervention that can lead to better overall outcomes. Click the video below to learn more.
Changing Consumer Expectations: Lessons from Home Delivery Services
5 MIN READ
How can the workers' compensation industry learn from other industries in the age of automation and technology? In this article, we will explore the shift to home delivery services and how this shift is relevant to the workers' compensation industry and prescription delivery services.
Will Naloxone Become Available for Purchase without a Prescription?
2 MIN READ
Today, there are two prescription products for use by laypersons. Namely, auto-injector (Evzio®) and intranasal (Narcan® Nasal Spray) naloxone. While they can be administered by someone outside of the healthcare profession, they are only obtainable with a prescription. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) believes an over the counter (OTC) version may remove barriers for obtaining naloxone, particularly for people who are not under the care of a physician or who may be hesitant to admit to issues with opioid abuse.
How Long is a Filled Prescription Good For? Does the Medication Ever Go Bad?
2 MIN READ
The expiration date indicates the time period the prescription drug can be expected to meet the claims of the Pharmacopeial monograph (information sheet provided with a medication), that it conforms to the recommended storage conditions. These dates are usually found on the manufacturer’s container and may be included on the prescription bottle label, depending on various state requirements.