Feds Seek Comments on Mail-Back Program for Unused Opioids

By Jonathan Springston, Editor, Relias Media

The FDA is asking for public comment on a new program that would provide another safe alternative to patients looking to dispose of unused opioids.

Through a modification to the Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, pain pills dispensed in outpatient settings would include prepaid mail-back envelopes. The agency says this technique could prevent dangerous chemicals from seeping into landfills and the water supply. The prepaid envelopes with unused pills would be sent to DEA facilities, where staff would incinerate the contents.

“Prescribing opioids for durations and doses that do not properly match the clinical needs of the patient not only increases the chances for misuse, abuse, and overdose, but it also increases the likelihood of unnecessary exposure to unused medications,” FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, MD, said in a statement. "As we explore ways to further address this issue more broadly, the mail-back envelope requirement under consideration for these unused medications would complement current disposal programs and provide meaningful and attainable steps to improve the safe use and disposal.”

Opioid overprescribing remains a problem for patients, as does the issue of clinicians diverting painkillers from facilities in which they work, putting their health (and that of others) at risk. Quality improvement programs can help, but leaders must stay vigilant. For more on this and related subjects, be sure to read the latest issues of Healthcare Risk Management.