The role of pharmacies and pharmacists in managing controlled substance dispensing

The epidemic of prescription opioid-related morbidity and mortality demonstrates the need for a fresh, open, and balanced approach to managing pain while minimizing adverse personal and public health outcomes. Interventions by pharmacists in situations in which prescriptions are felt to be inappropriate have raised the ire of prescribers who feel their professional judgment is being questioned and their time is being usurped from patient care. Pharmacists, however, represent an important check and balance in the opioid analgesic prescribing chain, and prescribers should embrace their involvement and recognize that the time and effort of the pharmacist are directed at improving care of individual patients and keeping a watchful eye on the public health. Pharmacies need to keep a mindful eye toward professional practices of physicians and use noninvasive means, such as database inquiries, prior to directly contacting a prescriber. Collaboration is the most professional approach that can be taken to assure that our joint priority of caring for patients in distress will be accomplished effectively and safely.