Cmdr John Burke

Although restrictions on the sale of pseudoephedrine products have been in place for several years, diversion of these products still occurs-a new electronic tracking system holds the promise to help curb this crime.

The increase in major trafficking in prescription drugs nationwide has spawned a new way to capture illicit drug dealers and curb illegal traffic in pharmaceuticals.

Combating prescription drug abuse, while remembering that the vast majority of clients are legitimate patients, should be a priority in 2010.

Sharing prescriptions can have deadly consequences. Health care providers need to caution patients about this practice.

A pharmacist who sees an issue with a given prescription simply should not fill it.

Due to an overwhelming response from the December 2008 article on the same topic, we are providing an update on the subject of identifying legitimate patients.

Pharmacists should not fall under the spell of celebrity and provide special treatment for famous individuals who enter the pharmacy.

Should patients be required to show identification when obtaining controlled substance prescriptions?

A recent CME program bringing together health professionals and law enforcement showed the benefit for these professionals of working together in reducing drug diversion.

It is time for Florida's legislators to step up and pass a quality prescription-monitoring program to combat Rx abuse in the state.

Safe and effective treatment options, such as analgesics, are available for pain management; however, their potential for abuse has risen in the past few years—pharmacists play a key role in reducing diversion.

Teen prescription drug abuse is on the rise. Two groups have come together to launch a new Web site to provide education and offer tips to combat the problem.

A recent safe disposal prescription initiative in Florida should serve as a guide for other counties throughout the country to help curb prescription drug diversion.

A recent safe disposal prescription initiative in Florida should serve as a guide for other counties throughout the country to help curb prescription drug diversion.

Prescription drug abuse often starts with the legitimate patient—pharmacists play a key role in educating these patients about safely using prescription drugs in their home.

With prescription drugs becoming the new "gateway" substances for youth in the United States, pharmacists must educate patients about the risk of prescription drug abuse when they do not properly dispose of their medications.

The country's pharmaceutical diversion problems have captured the attention of the president, which hopefully will lead to more national measures to curb the problem.

Drug diversion has cost the health care industry and the public billions of dollars. How can we reverse this trend?

Although methadone is often legitimately prescribed as a painkiller, it continues to be abused—pharmacists should remain aware.

A newly reinstated ruling by the DEA allows prescribers to write CII prescriptions for a 90-day supply.

The celebrity patient can create a problem for prescribers and dispensers of prescription drugs, underscoring the importance of using sound judgment and decision-making processes.

What is the proper way to dispose of unused medications?

John Burke, commander of the Warren County, Ohio, drug task force and retired commander of the Cincinnati Police Pharmaceutical Diversion Squad, is a 39-year veteran of law enforcement. Cmdr Burke also is the current president of the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators. For information, he can be reached by e-mail at burke@choice.net, via the Web site www.rxdiversion.com, or by phone at 513-336-0070.

John Burke, commander of the Warren County, Ohio, drug task force and retired commander of the Cincinnati Police Pharmaceutical Diversion Squad, is a 39-year veteran of law enforcement. Cmdr Burke also is the current president of the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators. For information, he can be reached by e-mail at burke@choice.net, via the Web site www.rxdiversion.com, or by phone at 513-336-0070.