A safe in-home disposal system with every opioid prescription? Food and Drug Administration is considering a potential new Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy that could impact pharmacists

Misuse of prescription opioids contributes to the ongoing crisis of opioid-related overdose and deaths in the United States. The failure of patients and caregivers to safely dispose of unused opioids contributes to the problems. In 2018, Public Law 115-271 provided U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to mandate a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for safe disposal packaging or safe disposal solutions for opioid analgesic medications. FDA has been collaborating with stakeholders to determine whether a new REMS is needed. A new or revised opioid REMS could substantially affect opioid packaging, pharmacist roles and services, and dispensing activities such as education, counseling, and product distribution. The pharmacy profession has provided limited input to FDA regarding a potential new or revised opioid REMS. In this commentary, we aim to (1) provide awareness and raise questions on pertinent issues regarding opioid use and safe home disposal, (2) offer considerations for regulators on needed research in the development and assessment of a new REMS, and (3) highlight actions for pharmacist engagement in patient care services to promote safe use and safe home disposal of opioids. Consideration of a potential mandate regarding enhanced safety packaging or safe disposal solutions for opioids presents opportunities to revisit professional roles and engage proactively with FDA and other stakeholders. We hope this commentary stimulates timely feedback by pharmacy leaders, researchers, and practitioners on whether and how options for safe home disposal of opioids should be included in a REMS in contemplation of potential benefits, unintended consequences, expanded professional roles, timeline, assessment of program effectiveness, and adequate compensation. We support a shared opioid REMS that funds the counseling of patients and caregivers on safe opioid use and safe home opioid disposal options and provides appropriate education and products to facilitate that disposal.