THE PROPER PRESCRIBING OF
CONTROLLED PRESCRIPTION
DRUGSCharlene M. Dewey, M.D., M.Ed., FACP
Associate Professor of Medical Education and AdministrationAssociate Professor of Medicine
Co-Director, Center for Professional HealthVanderbilt University Medical Center
September 2011
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DINTRODUCTION
Which doctor is at risk of mis-prescribing?
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DGOALS
The purpose of the session is to provide learners with an overview of the CPD epidemic and review guidelines on proper prescribing and office practices based on the CSA and the practitioner’s manual.
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DOBJECTIVES
Be the end of the session participants will be able to:
1. Discuss the CPD use/misuse epidemic in the US and TN
2. Apply proper prescribing rules from the practitioner’s manual in their individual and office practices
3. Identify behaviors associated with drug seekers
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DAGENDA
1. Introduction: the CPD problem2. CSA3. Proper prescribing practices – using the PM
IndividualOffice
4. Q&A5. Summary
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DINTRODUCTION
Substance abuse, including controlled prescription medication, is the nation's number one health problem affecting millions of individuals
Rate of controlled prescription drug (CPD) abuse - almost doubled from 7.8 million to 15.1 million in the past decade (1992 to 2003)
Adults >18 is up by 81%
Manchikanti L, et al. 2005; Substance Abuse 2001; Bollinger LC 2005. 2006 National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health, SAMHSA
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DINTRODUCTION
Rate has nearly tripled in the teenage population
Children aged 12 -17: abusing CPD more than adults rate estimated at 212%
New drug users of prescription opioids = 2.4 million Marijuana (2.1 million); Cocaine (1.0 million)
Total abusing > those abusing cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, and inhalants combined!
Manchikanti L, et al. 2005; Substance Abuse 2001; Bollinger LC 2005. 2006 National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health, SAMHSA
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DINTRODUCTION
More “new users” tried opioids for non-medical reasons in the past year than any other illicit drug
CDC: Opioid prescription painkillers cause more drug overdose
deaths than cocaine and heroin combined Increased ER visits Increased accidental deaths Health care costs = millions of dollars annually
DEA Practitioners Manual 2006 ed.; Manchikanti L, et al. 2005; Substance Abuse 2001; Bollinger LC 2005. 2006 National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health, SAMHSA
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DINTRODUCTION
Americans = 4.6% of world’s populationUse 66% of world’s illicit drugsUse 80% of global opioid supplyUse 99% of global hydrocodone supply
2006 National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health, SAMHSA
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DINTRODUCTION
TN #2 in nation in rate of prescription drug use Hydrocodone is #1 drug 2.8% of all prescriptions (More than Lipitor,
Nexium) Death rate from accidental drug poisoning in
TN is 26% above national average Rx for top 5 narcotics rose 90% nationwide
from 1997-2005 (The largest increase in any state)
Increase was 206% in TN
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DINTRODUCTION
Prescription drug diversion is simply the deflection of prescription drugs from medical sources into the illegal market.
Physicians remain the #1 provider of CPD
Sources: doctor shopping illegal internet pharmaciesdrug theftprescription forgery illicit prescribing by physicians
U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, Prescription Accountability Resource Guide, September 1998. http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/program/rx_account/index.html (5 January 2004).
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DINTRODUCTION
Given free from a friendor relativeGiven by a singledoctorBought from a friend orrelative
Bought fromstranger/dealerInternet
SAMHSA 2006
19%56%
4% <1%
9%
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DINTRODUCTION
Up to 43% of physicians DO NOT ask about controlled prescription drug abuse when taking a patient's health history.
Only 19% received any medical school training in identifying prescription drug diversion
Only 40% received training on identifying prescription drug abuse and addiction
Bollinger et al, 2005
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DINTRODUCTION
Many are not trained to effectively handle drug-seeking patients
“Confrontational Phobia”- a term used to describe physicians’ reluctance to say “no” to a patient, thus making physicians an “easy target for manipulation.”
Bollinger et al, 2005
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DSUBSTANCE ABUSER
“Obviously, doctors don’t like to give you controlled substances easily but if you’re
aggressive and persistent enough…and can talk a good enough game, I don’t know how
they could not give it to you. I mean they’re in the health field and they’re caring people and
they’re trying to take care of their patients’ individual needs.”
~A 52-year-old drug abusing patient interviewed in the CASA study
Bollinger et al, 2005
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DTHE DEA
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DDRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION (DEA)
The mission of the DEA is to:Enforce the controlled substances laws
and regulations of the United States and to recommend and support non-enforcement programs aimed at reducing the availability of illicit controlled substances.
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DCONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT (CSA)
Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (CSA) Assigned legal authority for the regulation of
controlled substances (illicit and licit)
Responsibility is two-fold:1. Ensuring that adequate supplies are available
to meet legitimate domestic medical, scientific, and industrial needs
2. The prevention, detection, and investigation of the diversion of controlled substances from legitimate channels
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DCONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT (CSA)
Providers must be registered Registration can be suspended/revoked by
the Attorney General if a registrant: Materially falsified any application filed Been convicted of a felony Had his/her state license or registration suspended,
revoked, or denied by competent state authority Committed such acts as would render his
registration inconsistent with the public interest Been excluded (or directed to be excluded) from
participation in a program pursuant to section 1320a-7(a) of title 42 = Medicare Fraud!
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DCONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT (CSA)
Monitors:1. Diversion to Illicit Use
- Self- Others
2. Maintenance of addictions3. Latrogenic addictions
Five (5) schedules I-V Addictive potential Rules on schedule IIs
http://www.justice.gov/dea/concern/narcotics.html
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DEXAMPLES: SCHEDULE I DRUGS
Schedule 1
Substance DEA Number Non Narcotic
Other Names
1-Methyl-4-phenyl-4-propionoxypiperidine
9661 MPPP, synthetic heroin
Gama Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB)
2010 N GHB, gama hydroxybutyrate, sodium oxybate
Heroin 9200 Diacetylmorphine, diamorphine Lysergic acid diethylamide 7315 N LSD, lysergide Marijuana 7360 N Cannabis, marijuana Myrophine 9308 Psilocybin 7437 N Constituent of "Magic
mushrooms"
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DEXAMPLES: SCHEDULE II DRUGS
Schedule IIAmobarbital 2125 N Amytal, Tuinal Amphetamine 1100 N Dexedrine, Biphetamine Cocaine 9041 Methyl benzoylecgonine, Crack Codeine 9050 Morphine methyl ester, methyl morphine Fentanyl 9801 Innovar, Sublimaze, Duragesic Hydrocodone 9193 dihydrocodeinone Hydromorphone 9150 Dilaudid, dihydromorphinone Meperidine 9230 Demerol, Mepergan, pethidine Methadone 9250 Dolophine, Methadose, Amidone Methadone intermediate 9254 Methadone precursor Methamphetamine 1105 N Desoxyn, D-desoxyephedrine, ICE, Crank,
Speed Methylphenidate 1724 N Ritalin Morphine 9300 MS Contin, Roxanol, Duramorph, RMS, MSIR Opium, raw 9600 Raw opium, gum opium Oxycodone 9143 OxyContin, Percocet, Tylox, Roxicodone,
Roxicet, Oxymorphone 9652 Numorphan Pentobarbital 2270 N Nembutal Phencyclidine 7471 N PCP, Sernylan
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DEXAMPLES: SCHEDULE III DRUGS
Schedule IIIAnabolic steroids 4000 N "Body Building" drugs Barbituric acid derivative 2100 N Barbiturates not specifically listed Butalbital 2100 N Fiorinal, Butalbital with aspirin Codeine combination product 90 mg/du 9804 Empirin, Fiorinal, Tylenol, ASA or APAP w/codeine
Hydrocodone combination product 15 mg/du
9806 Tussionex, Tussend, Lortab, Vicodin, Hycodan, Anexsia ++
Lysergic acid 7300 N LSD precursor Chlordiazepoxide 2744 N Librium, Libritabs, Limbitrol, SK-Lygen Clonazepam 2737 N Klonopin, Clonopin Clorazepate 2768 N Tranxene Dexfenfluramine 1670 N Redux Dextropropoxyphene dosage forms 9278 Darvon, propoxyphene, Darvocet, Dolene,
Propacet Diazepam 2765 N Valium, Valrelease Dichloralphenazone 2467 N Midrin, dichloralantipyrineDiethylpropion 1610 N Tenuate, Tepanil Lorazepam 2885 N Ativan Lormetazepam 2774 N Noctamid Modafinil 1680 N Provigil Pentazocine 9709 N Talwin, Talwin NX, Talacen, Talwin Compound Temazepam 2925 N Restoril Triazolam 2887 N Halcion Zaleplon 2781 N Sonata Zolpidem 2783 N Ambien, Stilnoct,Ivadal
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DDEAOFFICE OF DIVERSION CONTROL
Practitioner’s ManualAn Informational Outline of the
Controlled Substances Act2006 Edition
DEA remains committed to the 2001 Balanced Policy of promoting pain relief & preventing abuse of pain medications.
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/manuals/pract/index.html
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DTEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
1. What constitutes schedule I or other schedules assignments for drugs?
2. Identify the schedule for each of the following: Marijuana; morphine; heroin; codeine;
LSD; opium; amphetamine; cocaine3. How often do you renew your DEA
registration and what happens if you move?
4. Which schedules can be refilled?5. Can you fax CPD prescriptions?
DEA Practitioner’s Manual 2006; pg. 5-6 & 9-11 & 21-22
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DANSWERS: 1
Schedule I: no accepted medical use in the US; therefore, cannot be prescribed, administered or dispensed for medical use; no evidence of safety; high potential for abuse
Schedule II-V: some accepted medical use and can be prescribed, administered, or dispensed for medical use; High potential for abuse; descending order (II > III > IV >V)
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DANSWERS: 1
Schedule III:<15mg of hydrocodone (Vicodin® &
Lortab®)<90mg of codeineBenzodiazepinesSleep aidsMarinol
Schedule IV: narcotics (propoxyphene)
Schedule V:<200mg of codeine/100 ml or g (Robitussin
AC® & Phenergan with codeine®)
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DANSWERS: 2-5
Schedule I: marijuana; heroin; LSD Schedule II: morphine; codeine*; opium; cocaine;
amphetamine Renew DEA registration q3 years Sent 45 days prior to expiration Sent to address on file; will not be forwarded If you don’t receive it w/in 30 days, call 800-882-9539 Relocating: modify application on-line @:
www.DEAdivision.usdoj.gov Schedules II: cannot be refilled on the Rx Schedules III-V: can be refilled on the prescription Up to 5 times w/in 6 mo Fax: in urgent/emergent situations
- printed version within 7 days or mandatory reporting
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DPROPER PRESCRIBING PRACTICES
Example: Drug name Strength Dosage form Quantity
- (# and written) Indication Directions # of refills Pt full name & address Physician name, address & DEA # Manually signed
Dr Suremakes Me FeelgoodAny Practice, USA
1-800-cal-ford
Patient: Wanna FindasuckerAddress: 1 Skid Row Way
Today 2011
Hydrocodone/Acetamenophin 5/500 mg1 tab po q4 hrs PRN painDisp: #20 tabs (Twenty Tabs) – NO REFILLSDispense as written Substitution
Suremakes M. Feelgood, M.D.
DEA Practitioners Manual 2006; pg. 18
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DPROPER PRESCRIBING PRACTICES
Federal courts expect a “legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice”
Must Do’s: DO prescribe for legitimate medical reasons DO document history & physical examination DO screen for substance abuse – SBIRT DO use proper prescription writing techniques DO keep prescription blanks in a safe place where
they cannot be stolen DO use ONLY 1 tamper-resistant prescription pad
at a timeDEA Practitioners Manual 2006 ed.
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DPROPER PRESCRIBING PRACTICES
DO use electronic prescriptions when possible DO give informed consent to EVERY patient DO require for ALL chronic pain pts:
- Signed “CPD agreement”- Random or routine urine drug screens- Check PDMP on every visit
DO keep meticulous records DO require pt to use one pharmacy DO know/communicate with the pharmacist(s)
DEA Practitioners Manual 2006 ed.
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DPROPER PRESCRIBING PRACTICES
Must AVOID: AVOID prescribing controlled drugs at intervals
inconsistent with legitimate medical treatment* AVOID large quantities of CPD* AVOID large numbers of prescriptions issued*
(*compared to other physicians) AVOID warning patients to fill prescriptions at
different drug stores AVOID prescribing drugs when there is NO
relationship between the drugs prescribed and condition being treated.
DEA Practitioners Manual 2006 ed.
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DPROPER PRESCRIBING PRACTICES
Never Do’s: NEVER issue prescriptions to patients known to
divert drugs NEVER issue prescriptions in exchange for sexual
favors, money, or gifts NEVER prescribe CPD for family members NEVER use prescription blanks for writing notes NEVER sign blank prescriptions and leave with
others
DEA Practitioners Manual 2006 ed.
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DOFFICE PRACTICES
Follow the CSA – PM guidelinesTrain nurses/office managers to recognize the
drug-seeking ptPlace copy of DEA regulations in office waiting
roomSet new pt rules – E.g.: No CPD on first visitsScan photo ID for every pt with CPD useUse PDMP for all pts: http://prescriptionmonitoring.state.tn.us
https://prescriptionmonitoring.state.tn.us
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DOFFICE PRACTICES
Use the 4 step approach for EVERY new patient Implement full SBIRT for all (+) screens of SUAssess the 4 A’s on EVERY f/u visitProvide patient info on drug use, dependence,
and abuseSet minimum documentation standardsSystem for reporting drug diversion – contact
DEA field office regarding suspicious prescription activities
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
D
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DFOUR STEP APPROACH
Step 1: Workup (Hx & PE)
- Pain scale- Labs, studies, etc.
Appropriate screening- Individual- Family
Step 2: Full SBIRT – if a
screen (+)
Step 3: Develop plan of care
– WHO & Adjuvants Informed consent Reassessment
criteria
Step 4: Document PACT (Presenting complaint;
Additional information; Confirm diagnosis; Therapeutic decision)
4 A’s – f/u visits
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DSBIRT
Table 3: Definition and Components of SBIRTS Screening – Screening patients at risk for substance
abuse; inquiring about family history of addiction; using screening tools such as the NIAA 1-question screening tool for alcohol use, AUDIT, CAGE, CRAFT for adolescents, etc.
BI Brief Intervention - Establish rapport with pt; ask permission; raise subject; explore pros/cons; explore discrepancies in goals; assess readiness to change; explore options for change; negotiate a plan for change-(motivational interviewing)
RT Referral to Treatment – For patients responding positively to the screening tests, refer to AA, drug addiction clinic, pain clinic, counseling, etc.
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DSBIRT
Screening toolsNIAA CAGEMAST AUDITT-ACE CRAFTPittsburg*
Have you ever or do you currently use ___________ (tobacco, marijuana, ETOH, crack, cocaine, speed/amphetamines, other street drugs, CPD)?
Motivational Interviewing
SBIRT
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
D
MD Consult L.L.C. http://www.mdconsult.com Bookmark URL: /das/book/view/14899700/959/I366.fig/top
Nonopiod +/- Adjuvant
Opiod for mild-moderate pain + Nonopiod +/- Adjuvant
Opiod for moderate-severe pain +/- Nonopiod +/- Adjuvant
Pain persisting or increasing
Pain persisting or increasing
Freedom from pain
Pain
NSAIDsAcetaminophen
OxycodoneHydrocodoneCodeine
MSO4 SR/ Fentanyl patch, with MSO4 IR (etc.) for breakthrough
ADJUVANT TREATMENTS
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DADJUVANT THERAPIES
Exercise/PT TCAs Gabapentin (Neurontin) Pregabalin (Lyrica) Valproate (Depakote) TENS unit Bisphosphonates Accupuncture Chiropractor Neutraceuticals
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DCHRONIC PAIN:F/U ASSESSMENT – 4 A’S
Analgesia Activities Adverse Events Aberrancy
Created by the VUMC FPWC Prescribing Policy Team. Dewey, Jackson, Mullins, Garriss, Gregory and Gregg, 2010.
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DABERRANCY
Something you didn’t expect…Early refill (+) or (-) UDSFailed contractOther
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DFOLLOW UP – 4 A’S
Physical dependence and tolerance are normal physiological consequences of extended opioid therapy for pain and are not the same as addiction
UseTolerance
DependencePseudoaddictio
n≠ Abuse
Addiction
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DBOUNDARIES AND PRACTICE
1. 1 & 2 above2. CPD Agreement3. UDS4. PDMP5. Adjuvant Trx
1. 1 & 2 above2. CPD Agreement,
UDS, PDMP, Adj Trx3. Referrals
1. Four Step Approach2. Proper Prescribing
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DSUSPECT DRUG-SEEKING BEHAVIOR
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DDRUG SEEKING BEHAVIORS
1. Transient-passing through2. Feigns physical or psychological
problems3. Pressures the physician for a particular
drug or multiple refills of a prescription4. Red flags in presentation and PE findings5. Assertive
personality/demanding/overacting
Ref: Pocket card
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DDRUG SEEKING BEHAVIORS
6. Unwilling to provide references/medical records
7. No PCP8. Cutaneous signs of drug use9. Has no interest in diagnosis10. Rejects all forms of treatment that do not
involve narcotics
Ref: Pocket card
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DPROPER PRESCRIBING
“Its not what you prescribe, but how well you manage the patient’s care, and document that care in legible
form, that is important.”
First distributed by Minnesota BME in 1990, then taken by the North Carolina BME and then adopted by the Tennessee BME
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DQ&A
Prop
er P
resc
ribin
g of
CP
DSUMMARY
CPD epidemic is real and is costly to pts and our community
Physicians are the #1 reason for excess CPD on the streets
Apply proper prescribing rules from the practitioner’s manual into individual and office practices
Be on guard for drug seekers and know the proper procedure to take if identified