Purdue Pharma develops new online resource for combating prescription drug abuse

A new online resource, RxSafetyMatters.org, is now available to help healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and community organizations combat the illegal diversion and abuse of prescription medications.  Pharmaceutical company Purdue Pharma L.P. has developed RxSafetyMatters.org to provide information on programs initiated by the company and organizations with which it is partnering to help deter medication misuse and abuse.

These initiatives – which are consistent with the elements outlined in the Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Plan recently announced by the Office of National Drug Control Policy - support the education of healthcare professionals and consumers, the monitoring and tracking of prescription medication, the proper storage and disposal of prescription medications and the appropriate and effective enforcement of existing laws and regulations governing the use of opioid analgesic medications.

"Purdue is committed to working with healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and local communities to help curb illegal diversion and abuse of medications, while also ensuring that these medicines remain available for appropriate medical use," said John H. Stewart, President and CEO of Purdue.  "The best chance for making a significant impact on the abuse of prescription drugs is greater collaboration among the many sectors of our society that recognize the serious public health problem that this abuse represents."

Through RxSafetyMatters, health care professionals can access educational materials, including the newly released Addressing Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) DVD.  This educational resource is designed to increase awareness of the scope of substance and medication abuse, assist in recognizing and preventing abuse of medications and other substances, and aid in the referral of individuals with substance abuse problems to an appropriate treatment program.  

Families and community organizations can learn about the signs and symptoms of drug abuse, view tips for safe storage and disposal of medications, and access educational resources geared to parents and family members.

Law enforcement and government officials can also access educational materials and technical assistance from Purdue's Law Enforcement Liaison and Education Program and from national law enforcement and anti-diversion organizations such as the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, Inc. - to help their efforts to investigate and deter diversion of pharmaceutical products.  

RxSafetyMatters.org also serves as a portal to other additional online resources including:

• SafeguardMyMeds.org, a national educational program developed by Purdue and the National Community Pharmacists Association to increase awareness about the importance of safe storage and disposal of prescription medicines in an effort to reduce the risk of misuse and abuse.
• Time to Act and Time to Get Help, two programs developed by The Partnership at Drugfree.org (formerly the Partnership for a Drug Free America) to help parents of children who are abusing illegal drugs and medication.