The misuse and over-prescribing of opioids has played a major role in fueling the opioid crisis. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 80% of people who began using heroin started after being prescribed and misusing prescribed pain pills.
The workers compensation bureau began phasing out reimbursements for Oxycontin and its traditional generic Oxycodone on June 1 for workers with Chronic Pain caused by on-the-job injuries.
An optional replacement drug, Xtampza, is a pain killer designed to release its ingredients slowly even when tampered with, so it’s hard to snort or inject because it doesn’t melt or crush well.
Patients already covered under workers comp for Oxycodone or Oxycontin have until the end of the year to stop using them and switch to another medication approved by the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation.
Written by:
Kim Robson
Product Manager
krobson@marathonstaffing.com
