Pharmacy Solutions
Ask The Pharmacist
Your workers’ compensation and auto-related pharmacy questions answered.
What's the difference between a drug allergy and a side effect?
True medication allergies are rarer than side effects, but are potentially more dangerous, and are a result of the activation and response of the body’s immune system to an “insult” or “foreign body.” Allergies occur across a range of severities, from mild to life-threatening, and often only occur on the second exposure to the drug, food or substance that triggers it.
When do drugs become generic?
When drugs are first introduced, they are made available as brand name only for differing lengths of time depending on the particular drug. Individuals often want to know when a generic will be released for the brand name medications to hopefully reduce the price of the medication.
How does aging affect drug performance?
Understanding of age-altered pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes can assist in medication selection, as well as dosing adjustments for older patients that can avoid unexpected medication reactions and effects.
Why would someone be prescribed an opioid to treat opioid addiction?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a safe and cost-effective option for managing opioid addiction. This method is typically applied along with counseling and other support and involves the use of methadone or buprenorphine and sometimes naltrexone.
Are there cardiovascular considerations related to common medications used in workers’ comp?
There can be. Here are some heart-related side effects or precautions for three of the top therapeutic classes in workers’ compensation. First, an explanation of terms related to cardiac effects and monitoring that may be helpful.
How are Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs used when managing or prescribing opioid medications?
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are electronic databases designed to track and monitor controlled substance dispensing. These databases are run at the state level, and the main intent of such programs is to screen for suspected drug diversion and abuse.
How are seizure drugs used for pain management in workers' comp?
Opioids are often prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain, and while opioids can be highly effective medications, they can also be associated with negative effects including the potential for abuse and addiction.
Are there rules or recommendations for traveling with a controlled substance?
If a patient is traveling with a controlled substance prescription medication, it is best to only bring as much medication as will be required for the time away from home.
Are there rules or recommendations for opioid disposal?
Often prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain, opioids can be highly effective medications, they can also be associated with serious risks including the potential for abuse and addiction.
Are there times when it’s better to dispense a brand drug instead of its generic equivalent?
Before answering that it would be good to briefly review some basic information regarding the differences between brand name and generic medications.
Meet Our Pharmacists
Meet the Pharmacy Solutions Experts
Mitchell Freeman, Pharm. D.
Senior Vice President & Chief Clinical Officer, Mitchell Pharmacy Solutions
Nikki Wilson, Pharm. D./MBA
Senior Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services, Mitchell Pharmacy Solutions
Cameron Hannum, Pharm. D.
Senior Clinical Pharmacist, Mitchell Pharmacy Solutions
Ask a Question
Enabling adjusters and case managers to make educated decisions about drug therapy is a priority.
Our answer: Ask The Pharmacist. Just send an email by clicking the button below and our clinical team will attempt to answer your pressing questions about specific claims and offer clinical expertise to help you make decisions regarding drug-related issues.