Prescription drug abuse and methods of diversion: The potential role of a pharmacy network

Abstract

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in North America. Evidence indicates that prescription drugs have replaced traditional ‘street’ drugs in major metropolitan Canadian sites. Drug abusers tend to use multiple drugs at the same time, escalating the associated risks and increasing the complexity of the issues surrounding drug abuse. To address this problem, interventions at varying levels are needed, one of which includes the support of electronic health records initiatives, such as a pharmacy network. This network will enable health care providers to access patients' comprehensive drug history at the point of care and physicians will be able to e‐prescribe medications. Such functionalities can theoretically limit the degree of drug diversion towards the illegal market. Common practices among drug abusers/diverters can be reduced and monitored, such as visiting multiple physicians and pharmacies, prescription forgery, illegal prescribing, and diverting methadone that is used to treat opioid dependence. This discussion paper will introduce the issue of prescription drug abuse within the Canadian context and discuss drug diversion methods. Discussion will focus on to the possible role of a pharmacy network in limiting major diversion methods and supporting the medical system assisting those who suffer from drug abuse problems.

• Prescription drug abuse
• electronic health records
• pharmacy network
• drug diversion