The Reagan Udall Foundation released its new summary on Safe Opioid Disposal Practices. The document is a summary of research from interviews with pharmacies across the United States, and highlights opportunities to improve access to safe opioid disposal options across care settings.
Key findings included that pharmacists and pharmacies:
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Like other providers, have a low awareness of the REMS program and the availability of mail-back envelopes (MBEs) provided by the Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (OA REMS) manufacturers. By contrast, professional organizations had a high awareness.
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Did not have a straightforward understanding of how to access the MBEs through the OA REMS. As a result of this feedback, the OA REMS website has been since updated.
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Tend to have a system in place for opioid disposal education (providing information about where/how to dispose of opioids) and/or a medication disposal program that aligns with the OA REMS.
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Show mixed responses regarding acceptance and use of MBEs by patients. Some pharmacists and pharmacies reported that patients feel comfortable using MBEs while others expressed concern about disposing of opioids via the mail.
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Prefer having different options available for opioid disposal that can be tailored to their patients and setting.
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Want choices about methods to offer for opioid disposal.
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Want to understand how their current processes and systems align with the OA REMS.
