CSPAN had a discussion about drugs this morning. They had a DEA agent and there was good discussion. One caller, though, had a comment or question that wasn't really for the cop, but got me thinking about excess prescription drugs in this country. I have had all kinds of complaints about big pharma over the years, but I add another to the list today.
I don't have data, but I have a strong perception that MUCH more 'situational' or 'corrective' type medication is prescribed and bought than is actually used. Why isn't big pharma being held accountable for this???
-For the base $$ cost to patients and insurance of excessive prescribing.
-For the cost to the environment of improper disposal.
-For the cost to society by misuse and unnecessary addiction???
Maybe Vic or TW can help, but in my mind, I sort prescriptions into three categories:
1. Maintenance -- something taken every day or week or month...for years, or for life
2. Preventative -- similar to maintenance...probably for life or for the period of life that there's specific risk
3. Situational -- disease, pain, etc. -- short term, generally
I imagine excess of the first two is a problem, but probably not like it is for the third.
Except for some antibiotics (that have directions saying to 'take until gone'), I am not sure that I have ever taken all of a 'situational' prescription. Who doesn't have 'excess drugs' in the house? Who hasn't flushed drugs? Or tossed drugs in the trash? Or had some turn up 'missing'?
CVS and Walgreens started taking back drugs two years ago. That's a good thing....but in just over a year, they took back over 300 TONS of drugs. Putting aside the question of how those get 'disposed' of ...and the risks that may entail....that is a LOT of unused drugs. Probably much was OTC....IDK. But, I'm sure that's just the tip of the iceberg. Why aren't producers liable for cradle to grave....like most HAZMAT producers? I'm sure much of any over-prescribing is laid at doctors' feet -- but I gotta believe they are using guidelines from the pharm companies to a very large degree.
I realize that some people are now pretty pizzy that there Percocet prescriptions are smaller and harder to renew....but for the most part, wouldn't we all be better served by smaller/smarter doses, along with clear, systemic disposal opportunities?