Why More And More Pharmacies Are Denying Suboxone Prescriptions – TNT Magazine
The opioid issue has gotten alarmingly worse in recent years, with thousands of overdose deaths annually.
According to government data, opioid-involved overdose deaths have increased by almost 40% since 2019. From 49,860 in 2019, it increased to 81,806 in 2022. Overdose of prescription opioids has also led to several deaths in 2022.
As a result, drugs like Suboxone are now significant resources for assisting those struggling with opioid addiction in managing their recovery. Suboxone, a mix of naloxone and buprenorphine, helps people regain control over their lives by lowering cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Most people start using this medicine early in therapy when their withdrawal symptoms are rather severe. However, a few people utilize it through the recovery phase for a longer duration. It aids in counteracting the negative effects of prescription medicines and heroin, which are short-acting opioids.
However, despite its use, many pharmacies are refusing to fill prescriptions for Suboxone. A deeper examination of the stigma associated with addiction treatment and governmental restrictions is necessary to comprehend the causes of this trend.
Stigma Around Medication-Assisted Treatment
The efficacy of medication-assisted therapy (MAT) has been repeatedly supported by studies, although the issue has long been contentious. An NCBI article states that three medications have proven useful until now for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). These three medications are methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine. These medicines have also helped reduce the mortality rates and relapse among OUD patients.
Suboxone is a component of a more comprehensive MAT strategy that also includes behavioral therapy and counseling in the treatment of addiction. Nevertheless, there is still a stigma associated with using these drugs; some people see them as just another kind of prescription.
Many people are reluctant to support Suboxone’s distribution because of the drug’s link to opiate addiction. Some pharmacists might worry that by giving out Suboxone, they’re encouraging drug abuse or allowing patients to abuse the drug.
There’s also another major concern that many people have recently faced when using Suboxone. Several OUD patients have complained of dental health problems due to the medication. Even the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now warned about the use of buprenorphine, the primary ingredient in Suboxone.
Many people who faced the issues have filed Suboxone lawsuits against manufacturers. They allege that the manufacturers neglected their health and didn’t warn them about the potential health problems. Through a lawsuit, the plaintiffs are seeking to get appropriate compensation for the troubles they have faced.
While several cases have been filed, not all of them will be compensated equally. The Suboxone lawsuit payout per person will vary based on numerous factors, such as:
- The severity of the condition
- The time for which the medication was taken
- Emotional toll
- Lost wages, etc.
Both economic and non-economic factors will be considered when deciding on the settlement amount.
According to TruLaw, the average settlement amount can range between $50,000 and $150,000. However, the actual amount for an individual can be less or more depending on the above-mentioned factors. It is best to consult with a lawyer and share your problems to get a better estimate of the compensation you can receive.
Regulatory and Legal Pressures
The laws governing banned drugs are complicated, and pharmacies must adhere to strict guidelines. In the US, Suboxone is categorized as a Schedule III restricted drug. This means that although it has acceptable medicinal applications, the risk of dependency is moderate to low.
The Department of Health and Human Services labeled buprenorphine and all associated products as part of Schedule III in 2002 after analyzing the data. Previous to this, misuse of it escalated. Because of this categorization, pharmacists are under more responsibility to make sure the medicine is given and administered correctly.
Certain pharmacies could refuse to fill prescriptions for Suboxone because they are afraid of being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Pharmacy procedures may become more cautious to prevent any legal problems, even if the illegal dispensing practices were accidental. This is because they fear being fined for such actions.
Pharmacies may believe that there is an excessive danger of regulatory interference. For instance, the DEA has recently shut down a pharmacy for fulfilling 2,000 addiction treatment prescriptions. The pharmacy was located in the Southern District of West Virginia, and they fulfilled Subutex prescriptions. Subutex is another medication with buprenorphine as the primary ingredient.
Supply Chain and Insurance Challenges
Besides the regulations, even the supply chain is playing a significant role in the denial of fulfilling Suboxone prescriptions. Its rising demand has put a strain on pharmaceutical supply networks, causing shortages in certain places. For instance, only 37.1% of pharmacies in Florida had the medication in stock in 2023.
Due to a lack of reliable supply, pharmacies might not be able to fill prescriptions for Suboxone. In rural or underdeveloped communities, where access to addiction therapy and drugs is already restricted, this problem is more acute. Patients in these areas would have to drive great distances to find a pharmacy that carries Suboxone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do pharmacists fear that patients would abuse or misuse Suboxone?
Yes, pharmacists have the right to refuse prescriptions for Suboxone due to possible abuse or diversion. Suboxone is meant to be used without misuse, but because of the current opioid crisis, some pharmacists are still wary.
How does Suboxone availability relate to supply and insurance issues?
Pharmacy supply chains are frequently constrained, and it might be challenging for them to regularly administer Suboxone. Certain pharmacies might not have the prescription on hand, or they can run into administrative issues with insurance companies. This can be something like requiring prior authorization or managing caps on the amount that can be prescribed.
What effect does Suboxone refusal have on recovering patients?
Prescriptions for Suboxone are denied by pharmacies, which hinders patients’ recuperation by making it more difficult for them to obtain a necessary drug. This may exacerbate withdrawal symptoms, raise the chance of relapse, and even encourage some people to obtain the substance illegally.
A multifaceted strategy will be needed to address the obstacles pharmacists face while completing Suboxone prescriptions. First and foremost, it is imperative to lessen the stigma associated with addiction treatment. This will enable pharmacists and the general public to see that drugs like Suboxone may save lives. Legislators can also help by making rules more clear and making sure that pharmacists aren’t unfairly punished for giving out MAT drugs.
