At the 110th Annual Meeting of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (“NABP”) a new educational video entitled “Red Flags” was released by NABP to assist pharmacists in properly exercising their corresponding responsibility and identifying the warning signs of prescription drug abuse and diversion.  The educational video was sponsored by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Cardinal Health, McKesson Corporation, AmerisourceBergen, Actavis, and Endo-Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, all of whom are members of the Anti-Diversion Industry Working Group (“ADIWG”).  The companies worked with NABP to develop the concept and content for “Red Flags,” a video that uses real-life scenarios that illustrate the “moment of truth” when a pharmacist must decide whether a prescription for a controlled substance was issued for a legitimate medical purpose.  We have previously discussed the red flags of diversion.  “Red Flags” is an engaging and informative video that reinforces DEA’s statements about a pharmacist’s corresponding responsibility.  Industry initiatives like this will make a real difference in reducing prescription drug diversion and abuse since pharmacists are, as DEA has frequently stated, the “last line of defense” in preventing prescription drug abuse.

We applaud the NABP, Executive Director Catizone, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Cardinal Health, McKesson Corporation, AmerisourceBergen, Actavis, and Endo-Qualitest Pharmaceuticals for working together to create “Red Flags.”

ADIWG is a consortium of leading pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors of controlled substances who are working collaboratively and proactively to address the complex problems of prescription drug diversion and abuse.  Quarles & Brady is pleased that we have had the opportunity to assist the ADIWG in its efforts.