Substance Use Disorder

Study results suggest a nationwide increase in the supply and availability of illicitly manufactured fentanyl, with pills becoming more dominant across the ever-shifting US fentanyl market.

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With the mental health crisis worsening in the United States, recent research explores novel treatments and underlying causes.

For National Fentanyl Awareness Day, Drug Topics talked with Scott H. Silverman about how public health leaders can address the fentanyl crisis and the best ways to educate the public on the dangers of fentanyl use.

Amneal Pharmaceuticals said its generic naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray is now available in the US following FDA approval.

By addressing integration barriers associated with implementing tobacco cessation programs in the community pharmacy, community pharmacists can “significantly impact public health by increasing access to effective cessation support,” wrote investigators.

Patients in ED being treated for an opioid overdose were more likely to initiate medication for opioid use disorder after discharge when they received peer recovery support services.

The ongoing opioid crisis in the United States shows no signs of slowing down. As trusted community health care professionals, pharmacists must play a key role in fighting it.

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According to Anita Jacobson, PharmD, pharmacists should actively facilitate access to harm reduction programs by providing information and resources, ensuring the person who uses drugs doesn’t have to navigate the landscape on their own.

It’s important that pharmacists continuously revise their counseling as new information about substances such as xylazine, levamisole, and phenacetin emerges, said Anita Jacobson at this year’s American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting & Exposition.

At APhA 2024, 2 posters looked into how collaboration between physicians and community pharmacists is crucial when it comes to opioid prescriptions, and current opioid use patterns among older adults.

At this year’s American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting & Exposition, Mark Garofoli urged pharmacists to develop strong documentation practices and go beyond baseline federal regulations to care for patients with red flags.

Pharmacists must uphold their “corresponding responsibility” to address controlled substance concerns among patients while balancing safety and respect, said Mark Garofoli at this year’s American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting & Exposition.

The first nonprescription, OTC naloxone nasal spray (Narcan) was approved by the FDA in March 2023.

Telehealth mitigates barriers like stigma, fear, and legal concerns associated with receiving opioid use disorder (OUD) care by offering a convenient and discreet treatment option.