Oral

The session discusses three important issues of the US health care system: prevention of diversion and abuse of controlled substances, utilization management of drugs with high risk of adverse events, and the inefficiencies associated with the use of high cost brands when generic bioequivalent alternatives are available. The first paper addresses the lack of assessment of the effects of the prescription monitoring programs that have been implemented in most states without appropriate evidence of their role preventing diversion and abuse of controlled substances. The second paper analyses risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS). In spite of the large number of REMS approved by the FDA and their important effect on patient safety, there are not studies assessing the characteristics of these REMS. And the third paper provides empirical evidence to support policy decisions encouraging the use of low-cost generic alternatives in uninsured populations.

Session Objectives: To evaluate the effect of prescription monitoring programs in preventing diversion and abuse of prescription controlled substances; To assess the role in drug safety of FDA-approved risk evaluation and mitigation strategies, and To analyze the socioeconomic determinants of this prescription drug choice for uninsured patients

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)