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Prevention & Harm Reduction
Opioids are the most commonly misused type of prescription medication in the U.S. Unsafe prescribing and dispensing practices, such as combining opioids and benzodiazepines, greatly increase the risk of opioid use disorder and fatal overdose.
Syringe Service Program Registry
In August 2019, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed into law The Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction Act, (Public Act 101-0356) which allows for the establishment and operation of a needle and hypodermic syringe access program or syringe services programs (SSP). SSPs are community-based and provide a range of preventive services, including vaccinations, testing for and linkage to treatment for infectious disease and, access to and disposal of sterile syringes and injection equipment.
Any governmental organization, health department, non-profit organization, or individual can register as an SSP. Register Here.
Prescription Monitoring
Prescription monitoring programs are state-run electronic databases that collect and distribute data about the prescription and dispensation of controlled substances. State prescription monitoring programs have been shown to lead to reductions in doctor “shopping” behavior, opioid prescribing, and overdose death rates.
Illinois Prescription Monitoring Program (ILPMP)
ILPMP collects information on controlled substance prescriptions (Schedules II, III, IV and V). These data are required to be reported on a daily basis by all retail pharmacies dispensing prescriptions in Illinois. Under Public Act 100-0564 (2017), all Illinois prescribers (with certain exceptions) must document an attempt to check the ILPMP when providing an initial prescription for Schedule II narcotics (including opioids).
ILPMP data assist health care providers assess prescribing practices, inform efforts to reduce high-risk opioid prescribing, and help prevent misuse of controlled substances and medical error.
Prescriber Education
IDPH, the Office of the Attorney General, and the University of Chicago developed a 15 minute training video for prescribers. The video can be incorporated into your training on proper opioid prescribing. It provides guidance for new prescribers to:
- Screen for opioid misuse and opioid use disorder;
- Monitor patients on opioids; and
- Appropriately incorporate the IL Prescription Drug Monitoring Program into clinical practice
Safe Drug Disposal
To prevent prescription opioid misuse, it is important to store opioid medications properly. Store prescription opioids in a secure place, out of reach of others (including children, family, friends, and visitors).
If you have unused prescription opioids at the end of your treatment, dispose of them promptly. Certain medications that have high misuse potential and/or may result in death from one dose if inappropriately taken are included on the FDA’s Flush List and may be flushed down the toilet immediately. Alternatively, check with your pharmacy about disposal options or find your community’s next drug take-back day.
