U.S. National Pharmacy Market Summary 2021

Tracking changes and trends in pharmacy growth, personnel, ownership, and many other data points have become essential for understanding the healthcare market at large. Pharmacies have adapted their businesses in response to the pandemic by supplying COVID-19 testing and vaccines.

Medication Sharing, Storage, and Disposal Practices for Opioid Medications Among US Adults

The prescription opioid epidemic continues with few signs of abatement. Most adolescents and adults reporting recent nonmedical use of opioid medications obtain these medications through their family or friends. Minimal research has examined knowledge and practices related to opioid medication sharing, storage, and disposal among US adults who recently received prescriptions for these medications despite this group serving as a source for individuals using opioid medications for nonmedical purposes. We conducted a national survey among US adults with recent opioid medication use to examine the pervasiveness of sharing opioid medications, medication storage and disposal practices, and the sources of information received.

Pilot of a Brief, Web-Based Educational Intervention Targeting Safe Storage and Disposal of Prescription Opioids

Prescription opioid misuse has been declared an American epidemic and a significant proportion of misused opioids are diverted from legitimate prescriptions. Patient education regarding appropriate use and the dangers of misuse has been identified as a key intervention target. The current study presents findings from the open pilot of a patient-tailored, brief, web-based intervention designed to improve knowledge of safe medication use, storage and disposal.

Narcotics in the medicine cabinet: Provider talk is key to lower risk

Rates of prescription pain medication addiction and death have increased in the United States, leading to major policy initiatives to limit access to narcotic pain medications. For adolescents, a known point of access to narcotic pain medication is pills in the home, left over from a prior prescription.

Prescription opioid use and misuse among adolescents and young adults in the United States: A national survey study

Results from this study suggest that the prevalence of prescription opioid use among adolescents and young adults in the US is high despite known risks for future opioid and other drug use disorders. Reported prescription opioid misuse is common among adolescents and young adults and often associated with additional substance abuse, underscoring the importance of drug and alcohol screening programs in this population. Prevention and treatment efforts should take into account that greater than half of youths misusing prescription opioids obtain these medications through friends and relatives.

Behavioral Intervention and Disposal of Leftover Opioids: A Randomized Trial

Providing a disposal method nudged parents to dispose of their children’s leftover opioids promptly after use, whereas STOMP boosted prompt disposal and reduced planned retention. Such strategies can reduce the presence of risky leftover medications in the home and decrease the risks posed to children and adolescents.