APhA Policy Manual

The Use of Controlled Substances in the Treatment of Intractable Pain

DRUG ABUSE, CONTROL AND EDUCATION

APhA supports the continued classification of heroin as a Schedule I controlled substance.
APhA supports research by qualified investigators under the Investigational New Drug (IND) process to explore the potential medicinal uses of Schedule I controlled substances and their analogues.
APhA supports comprehensive education to maximize the proper use of approved analgesic drugs for treating patients with chronic pain.
APhA recognizes that pharmacists receiving controlled substance prescription orders used for analgesia have a responsibility to ensure that the medication has been prescribed for a legitimate medical use and that patients achieve the intended therapeutic outcomes
APhA advocates that pharmacists play an important role on the patient care team providing pain control and management.