Detailed report offers analysis, suggestions to prevent drug abuse

A worker who suffered a knee injury has been treated with pain medications, arthroscopic surgery, and physical therapy. During the course of treatment, it was discovered that the patient suffered from a variety of comorbidities.

Thus began an evaluation of a myMatrixx Drug Regimen Review. The report concluded with an extensive list of recommendations, beginning with the suggestion to replace his opioid therapy due to comorbid major depression.

"The goal of this approach would be to eliminate the need for immediate-release opioids that can result in fluctuation of blood levels," the report said. "The peaks in blood levels that come with taking immediate-release formulations of opioids can cause a euphoric side effect in addition to providing pain relief."

CWCI: Compound drugs are more potent, costly (03/11/13)
State legislators to address controversial meds in workers' comp (03/04/13)
NCCI: Physician dispensing on the rise in most states (10/06/11)
Florida Legislature targets repackaged drug costs (01/30/12)
Workers' comp physicians not following guidelines for opioid use, study shows (10/25/12)

July 9, 2012

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