Strategies to prevent opioid misuse, abuse, and diversion that may also reduce the associated costs.

Background: The use of prescription opioid drugs has the potential to lead to patient abuse of these medications, addiction, and diversion. Such an abuse is associated with increased costs because of excessive healthcare utilization. Finding ways to minimize the risk for abuse and addiction can enhance patient outcomes and reduce costs to patients and to payers.

The roles of pharmacists in pain management.

Questions from patients about analgesic pharmacotherapy and responses are presented to help educate patient sand make them more effective self-advocates. This report addresses ways in which pharmacists help with pain management and keeping prescription medications safe.