November 21, 2016<\/p>\n
Dear Colleague:<\/p>\n
Virginians have much to be thankful for as we approach Thanksgiving.\u00a0 However, we are faced with the reality that the disease of addiction continues to worsen in the Commonwealth despite efforts on many fronts.\u00a0 Deaths from drug overdose are expected to increase an additional 25% in 2016.\u00a0 In response to the worsening drug addiction epidemic, Dr. Levine will today declare that the opioid addiction crisis is a public health emergency in Virginia.\u00a0 In order to successfully combat this public health emergency, a collaborative response utilizing many different strategies is of the utmost importance.\u00a0 Your partnership is critical in this effort.<\/p>\n
Key topics in this letter include:<\/p>\n
Recent data shows these alarming trends in Virginia:<\/p>\n
Most recently, Carfentanil has been identified this month for the first time in Virginia. \u00a0Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than fentanyl, and has been linked to a significant number of overdose deaths around the country. Improper handling of Carfentanil can have dangerous, even deadly, consequences.\u00a0 As the product can be absorbed through the skin or airborne powder accidentally inhaled this product and other fentanyl-related compounds present a danger to first responders and other individuals who are exposed.\u00a0 I encourage you and your staff to review the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Officer Safety Alert<\/a> which includes more information, and how to avoid accidental exposure.<\/p>\n One solution to help prevent overdose deaths is to make naloxone more available to the public.\u00a0 Naloxone temporarily reverses the effect of opiates.\u00a0 In addition to the declaration of a public health emergency, today Dr. Levine issued a naloxone statewide standing order that authorizes pharmacists who maintain a current active pharmacist license to dispense naloxone in accordance with the Virginia Drug Control Act, \u00a754.1-3408<\/a>, and the current Board of Pharmacy-approved protocol.\u00a0 The standing order, protocol and Revive educational materials are located on the VDH Website<\/a>.<\/p>\n One of the best ways for the public to learn about the use of naloxone is through the Revive!<\/a> training course on the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services website. Please let your staff and patients know about Revive!<\/p>\n The PMP<\/a> tells you where and when patients have filled controlled substance prescriptions, to help determine treatment history and if a patient is trying to obtain controlled substances for illegitimate use.\u00a0 As of January 2016, all newly licensed prescribers and pharmacists are automatically registered for the PMP. \u00a0To activate your account and use the program, visit the PMP website<\/a>.\u00a0 Once your account is activated, best practice in Virginia<\/a> is to always check the database before prescribing controlled substances and then recheck every 3-6 months to ensure the patient is compliant with your treatment agreement.<\/p>\n On August 31, 2016 the FDA issued a black box warning<\/a> for the concomitant use of opiates and benzodiazepines.\u00a0 An extensive review of the latest scientific evidence revealed serious risks associated with using these medications together.\u00a0 These risks include extreme lethargy, respiratory depression, coma and death.<\/p>\n Thank you for all you do on behalf of your patients. This public health emergency will require us to continue our important partnership to reduce overdose deaths and assist affected patients and their families get the needed help to break the cycle of addiction.<\/p>\n We look forward to working with you and wish you a peaceful and healthy holiday.<\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/p>\n November 21, 2016 Dear Colleague: Virginians have much to be thankful for as we approach Thanksgiving.\u00a0 However, we are faced with the reality that the disease of addiction continues to worsen in the Commonwealth despite efforts on many fronts.\u00a0 Deaths from drug overdose are expected to increase an additional 25% in 2016.\u00a0 In response to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-160","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/a>Naloxone Statewide Standing Order<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Usage<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Benzodiazepines, Opiates and the New FDA Black Box Warning<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Resources for you and your patients<\/h2>\n
\n
\n\n
\n Marissa J. Levine, MD, MPH, FAAFP
\nState Health Commissioner
\nVirginia Department of Health<\/td>\nDavid E. Brown, D.C.
\nDirector
\nVirginia Department of
\nHealth Professions<\/td>\nJack W. Barber, MD
\nInterim Commissioner
\nVirginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"