The Role of Pharmacists in Safe Opioid Dispensing

Opioid misuse, abuse, and diversion continues to be a public health issue. Pharmacists (particularly those who work in the community setting) form the vanguard of health-care providers facing the opioid crisis because they have the opportunity to interact with patients more frequently than primary care or specialty medical providers. These frequent interactions give pharmacists more opportunities to properly counsel patients on prevention and to reinforce appropriate use of opioid medications. Pharmacists should be aware of the strategies for reducing opioid misuse, abuse, and diversion, including understanding mandates on prescription limitations; knowing how to use prescription drug monitoring programs; knowing when drug take-back programs are occurring; educating patients on the risks of opioid abuse, safe storage, and proper disposal of unused medications; identifying “red flag” behavior that may indicate opioid misuse; using assessments that help identify a patient’s risk for opioid abuse; interacting with other health-care professionals to discuss a patient’s care; understanding how abuse-deterrent opioids work and their limitations; preparing for opioid overdose management and understanding the local regulations on naloxone availability; and knowing when to refer patients to addiction services. Using these strategies, pharmacists have an opportunity to potentially reduce opioid abuse and improve patient outcomes.