On Saturday, October 12, 2019, I was on the campus of Florida A&M University attending the Home Going services of one the most exemplary Professors of Pharmacy known throughout the world, Doctor Leonard L. Inge Sr. He served as Chairman of the Florida Board of Pharmacy. He earned his Pharmacy Degree from Florida A&M University in 1967, and later a Master’s Degree. He retired from FAMU in 2007.
It was my great fortune to train under Professor Inge. I have practiced pharmacy using that same tutelage. I have employed the same concepts, methodology, procedures, and techniques in Pharmaceutical Compounding. My continuing education on Compounding Pharmaceuticals mirrors those original teachings.
“I therefore ask myself, ‘what has changed?”
The answer points to one very questionable and dangerous practice. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has chosen to re-define medical procedures and protocols.
This is evidenced by the so- called ‘Opioid Crisis.’ Moreover, DEA now touts that Narcotic Analgesics Medications (NAM) cannot be used for chronic pain. This is simply not true.
The concept that these medications are not to be used in combination with other medications – (such as those used to relieve anxiety, benzodiazepines, mood disorders, or sleep issues), is also false.
It is true that Narcotic Analgesic Medications, when prescribed and used for long term chronic pain control, will result in lifetime dependency. It therefore becomes the role and responsibility of Pharmacists to ensure that patients using these medications are educated on how to do so correctly to guarantee their safety.
Oxycodone, sold under brand name OxyContin, is an opioid medication used for treatment of moderate to severe pain generated from the central nervous system.
OXYCODONE BECOMES DANGEROUS WHEN USED DANGEROUSLY
Oxycodone is a very effective medication for treating chronic pain. To reiterate, It must be taken in therapeutic doses…
These types of medications are safe when used correctly. It is true that, when taken beyond their therapeutic doses, or combined with alcohol or other substances, they become dangerous and may result in death.
Most importantly, as of this date, except in the case of extreme anaphylaxis, there is no documented case wherein any individual has succumbed to death when given a therapeutic dose of a medically prescribed Narcotic Analgesic Medication (NAM).
Currently, there is a disturbing trend within DEA whereby medical practitioners are being targeted. A campaign of false information has been generated and disseminated to sway the public into believing that these medications are on par with street drugs; dangerous drugs that contribute to abuse and trafficking and the so-called ‘Opioid crisis’ in America.
The Agency has raided and arrested medical personnel for dispensing prescription ordered medications, particularly control medications, to the community.
CONSIDER
The DEA is the sole heinous government agency whose tactics have increased costs of medication and healthcare all across America. They accomplished this by misinterpreting the purpose and roles of medications needed to treat acute, chronic, neuropathic and psychological, pain.
It is my belief that the DEA has, unfortunately, has lost sight of their true mission and become an agency that now uses threats and intimidation tactics such as;
1. Raids and arrests,
2. Forfeitures,
3. Prison Time
DEA agents lack knowledge and understanding of Opioid Pain receptors. Yet, they are armed with badges, guns and authority. They are imposing their new misguided mission onto the medical profession; (nurses, pharmacists, physicians, dentists, drug wholesalers, and their patients.)
The DEA has also used heavy handed techniques to target Black physicians and black pharmacists.
Patients of color who have low socio-economic status are also being impacted. They are finding it extremely difficult to fill prescribed medications.
It is my belief that the DEA has become a Rogue Agency that must be seriously modified or disbanded.
FOR NOW, YOU
ARE WITHIN
THE NORMS
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