Opioid Project Newsletter November 2019
View and download/print this Opioid Use Disorder in Rural Montana Project Newsletter for November 2019 here.
Welcome!
Welcome to the fifth newsletter from MSU Extension’s Opioid Misuse Project. Our goal here is to share relevant information about the opioid misuse situation across the nation, throughout Montana, and in our communities. Please note that this newsletter is only sent to agents and specialists who are engaged in the SAMHSA ROTA project. Feel free to respond to this email with feedback, questions, or content you would like to see added to future newsletters!
Sublocade Monthly Injection Now Available Commercial on Prime Time TV
If you watch cable television, often times you will see advertisements from pharmaceutical companies advocating their drugs. Now, a company called Indivior out of the UK is advertising Sublocade, a 30 day injection treatment for opioid use disorder. This form of opioid use disorder treatment has been long awaited as it is an injection, so it cannot be diverted or misused. This new injection costs $1,600 per injection. Play the commercial here.
Want to know more about Sublocade? Replay Dr. Sherrick’s audio transcript from our statewide technical assistance training and hear him talk about his experience in dispensing this medication. He gives a summary of his experience in using it with patients.
Another House Bill (333) We Need to Know About
On May 1st the Montana Standing Order for Naloxone Opioid Antagonists Was Adopted
On May 1st of this year, the state of Montana issued a standing order authorizing licensed pharmacists to prescribe Naloxone. Naloxone is the drug used to revive a person who is overdosing on opioids. Below is some important language as to exactly who the pharmacist can prescribe to, which is not only limited to people, but includes counties, organizations and public health departments.
The Montana Legislature passed the 2017 House Bill (HB) 333, the Help Save Lives from Overdose Act, authorizing increased access to opioid antagonist through amendments to Montana Code Annotated (MCA) Title 50 and other MCA provisions.
Pursuant to the definition in the 2017 law, eligible recipient means:
a) a person who is at risk of experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose;
b) a family member, friend, or other person who is in a position to assist a person who is at risk of experiencing an opioid-related drug overdose;
c) a first responder or a first responder entity;
d) a harm reduction organization or its representative;
e) the Montana state crime laboratory or its representative;
f) a person who, on behalf of or at the direction of a law enforcement agency or officer, may process, store, handle, test, transport, or possess a suspected or confirmed opioid;
g) a probation, parole, or detention officer;
h) a county or other local public health department or its representative; or
i) a veterans' organization or its representative.
This begs the question…Does your county or tribal office carry Naloxone?
In the News
New York State Requires More Specific Opiate Reporting on Death Certificates
Hillary Maxwell forwarded this article and we wanted to pass it on:
The New York State Association of Counties applauds Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's signing of the opioid overdose bill last month. The legislation (S.1668/A.4915) requires that death certificates in cases of opioid overdose specify which opioid was involved in the death, if known. This new law requires that information be recorded so that more data will be available to better address the opioid crisis.
“New York continues to confront the opioid epidemic in all corners of the state," said Stephen J. Acquario, executive director of the New York State Association of Counties. "Toxicology results take an inordinate amount of time to review. This new law will help county coroners and medical examiners pin down the cause of death with more specificity than the general classification of 'drug overdose.'"
"Law enforcement efforts to track opioid suppliers have improved, and this new statute will further assist in identifying suppliers of the opiates that led to an overdose. Governor Cuomo and state legislators continue to implement smart government policies to prevent the distribution of illegal opiates.
Explore Online Content
KPAX-TV Montana Ag: Farm organizations address rural opioid epidemic
KTVQ News: New data shows 245 million opioid pills came into Montana over six years
Please Join Us at these Upcoming Events:
State Opioid Strategic Task Force Meeting Now you can join virtually!!
On Wednesday, December 4th there will be a state opioid task force meeting hosted by DPHHS in Helena at the Delta Marriott. The meeting is from 10am – 3pm and you are invited to attend in Helena, or via web conference!
If you are interested in attending, let Wendy know and she will send a calendar invite.