Pharmacists and the Opioid Crisis: Beyond Blame

Is it accurate to blame pharmacists for the opioid crisis? The answer, as presented in this article, is a resounding no. While there are certain practices and responsibilities within the profession, the bulk of blame lies elsewhere.

Pharmacists’ Professional Obligations

Pharmacists have a crucial role in ensuring patient safety and responsible medication distribution. They are expected to prevent harm and limit the amount of medication patients receive, especially when dealing with opioid prescriptions. However, in practice, the responsibility often falls heavily on the prescribers—doctors and other medical professionals who write these medications.

Pharmacists are expected to:

Ban medications when necessary

Not fill prescriptions from certain doctors

Avoid over-ordering

Despite these responsibilities, many have noted that pharmacists seldom take the blame when something goes wrong. On the other hand, prescribers can frequently avoid disciplinary action for overprescribing.

The Role of Pharmaceutical Companies and Doctors

The pharmaceutical industry and doctors have consistently been seen as key players in the opioid crisis. In the 1980s, many pharmaceutical companies marketed pain control as a vital necessity, leading physicians to overprescribe opioids without fully understanding their risks.

Despite stricter guidelines now in place for pain control, the number of opioid-related deaths has not decreased significantly. According to reports, an average of 270 opioid-related deaths occur daily in the United States. Among these, only an estimated 12 deaths are attributed to prescription opioids, and many cases involve individuals who did not originally receive the prescription. Thus, attributing the opioid crisis solely to pharmaceutical companies is an oversimplification.

Individual Accountability and Media Perception

The media often frames the opioid crisis as a large-scale problem devoid of individual responsibility. This narrative overlooks the fact that individuals make choices about whether to take opioids, and they should be held accountable for those decisions.

Similarly, the portrayal of the tobacco industry in marketing to children as a major fault is a valid point. However, it is equally important to recognize that individuals are capable of making rational choices and refusing addictive substances. They are not mindless robots who must take whatever is marketed to them.

Patient Safety and Prescriber Practices

Pharmacists act as gatekeepers but ultimately do not control the prescription medications. They have the authority to question prescriptions, report suspicious activity, and ensure that the correct medication and dose are appropriate. However, their influence is limited compared to the practices and decisions of prescribers.

Pharmacists can:

Question if the wrong medications or dosages are prescribed

Report prescription fraud or misuse

In conclusion, while pharmacists have a critical role in patient safety and ensuring appropriate medication distribution, the ongoing opioid crisis is far more complex. It encompasses multiple factors, including overprescribing by doctors, aggressive marketing by pharmaceutical companies, and the critical decisions made by individual patients.