Use and Abuse of Prescription Opioids: Current Evidence (2011)

Abuse-Deterrent and Tamper-Resistant Opioid Formulations: What Is Their Role in Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse?

Lynn R. Webster, M.D., FACPM, FASAM, Medical Director, Lifetree Pain Clinic, Salt Lake City, Utah

http://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/publications/asam-news-archives/vol26-3.pdf?sfvrsn=0

Integration of these formulations in clinical practices based on universal precautions should help further minimize the risk of opioid abuse while fostering appropriate prescribing to patients with indications for opioid therapy.  Abuse- and tamper-resistant opioid formulations are emerging tools that may enhance safe opioid prescribing; further research and postmarketing analysis will clarify their utility and role in clinical practice.

This was in 2011 — so, Dr. Webster, how are those “tamper-resistant” formulations working out? Let’s let Mr. Kolodny from PFROP tell us:

12/4/2014:  Similarly, efforts to curb prescription painkiller abuse — for example, creating “abuse-deterrent” capsules — don’t seem to be as effective as hoped. “Making pills harder to crush and snort doesn’t make them less addictive,” says Kolodny…