Facts become greatest casualty in war on pain medications

Apr 22 2011

The Florida Society of Pain Management Providers (www.Flspmp.org) urges Government, Law Enforcement and the media to stop using false prescription drug data and statistics. The continued release of false and / or out of context information is solely intended to enflame the public. The misinformation that unfairly portrays Florida as ground zero in this issue has significant consequences for pain management patients and the physicians who provide legitimate care. It is unacceptable to make this a war on pain patients.

Facts have become the greatest casualty in the war on pain medications:

Recently the Kentucky Attorney General made the following false statement in his Sun Sentinel Op-Ed piece which continues to be repeated by leaders and media:

"Law enforcement officials believe that 85 percent of all oxycodone sold in the United States is sold in Florida."

The Truth is:

Florida sold 16.8% of all oxycodone in the U.S. (DEA 2009 ARCOS 2009 populations)

And what about facts on all the other pain medications:

Source: DEA 2009 ARCOS per 100,000 populations (2009):

• Tennessee sold 250% more codeine than Florida
• Tennessee sold 250% more hydrocodone than Florida
• Arizona sold 100% more morphine than Florida.
• Maine sold 100% more methadone than Florida
• Pennsylvania sold 75% more fentanyl than Florida
• Kentucky was the #3 seller of hydrocodone  / Florida was #21

Potency:

Morphine: 10 times more potent than codeine

Oxycodone: =/ or slightly more potent than morphine

Methadone: 10 times more potent than morphine

Fentanyl: 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine

The United States has a problem with diversion and abuse of pain medications; there must be a balanced approach in finding a solution so as not to affect patient pain care.

That approach:

1. Most importantly: A substantial increase in affordable drug treatment programs.
2. State Board of Medicine rules for pain clinic standards of practice, plus inspections.  
3. Pain management licensing that bars felons.
4. State Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs requiring physician participation and subpoena requirements for law enforcement access.
5. Physician education regarding the monitoring of patients on long term pain medication.
6. Patient education in the securing and disposing of their medications.

And lastly be forewarned that heroin is roaring back and soon will surpass Rx med abuse!