Investigative Report on Patients Denied Access to Pain Meds
The 2014 series of news reports by chief investigator Darcy Spears and producer Kean Bauman of KTNV of Las Vegas chronicles the increasing suffering that legitimate chronic pain patients are experiencing as a new law tightens supply and access to pain medications across the United States. The NFMCPA applauds Ms. Spears and her producer for calling attention to the serious harm caused to patients when they cannot fill legitimate prescriptions from their physicians. Physicians are frustrated that their patients cannot follow their desired treatment plan because of inaccessibility to pain medications.
In the following news story clips, patients, emergency room/cancer/addiction doctors, professional medical associations, patient advocates, and loved ones speak out to decry the stigmatization and inhumane treatment of this very large and vulnerable population of 100 million people. Clearly it's time for decent citizens, elected officials, and policymakers to hear the united voice of the chronic pain community and to take action to protect and help them. To paraphrase one patient's comments, "They just want us to die. They think that because we're old that we don't matter."
Articles include responses from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Walgreens, and CVS.
"The National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association recognizes the undeniable and sobering suffering that people with chronic pain are experiencing in seeking relief from serious, life-altering pain. We call on state legislatures and Congress to immediately put pressure on federal and state agencies who are causing this epidemic suffering to work with patient organizations, physicians, pharmacists, and researchers to find resolution."
If you have a story to add about how your quality of life has been affected by inaccessibility to pain medications, please contact us at info@fmcpaware.org. YOUR VOICE MATTERS.
November 17, 2014 - Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Patients say the feds are playing god with their medical care, catching them in a crossfire between fighting prescription drug abuse and helping those in need. Prescription for Pain: Change in law causes more delays, pain. Click here
May 15, 2014 - Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- When it comes to denying legitimate patients their prescribed pain meds, how far is too far? Contact 13 uncovered another group of patients in critical need: Cancer patients being denied medications by pharmacists. Click here
April 25, 2014 - Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- It's a problem Contact 13 has been investigating for months. And the big question has been why are legitimate patients delayed or denied by area pharmacies? Pharmacy checklist questions doctor prescription. Click here
April 24, 2014 - Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Contact 13 has heard from many patients in pain but their prescriptions for pain medication are delayed or denied by local pharmacies. Pharmacy delays are causing more than headaches. Click here
February 3, 2014 - Las Vegas NV (KTNV) -- To fill or not to fill prescriptions for painkillers? That's the question pharmacies across the valley are asking, and patients want answers. Prescription for Pain: Patients struggling to fill medications Click here
January 13, 2014 - Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Imagine going to the pharmacy to fill a prescription, only to be turned away, denied medication both you and your doctor know you need. That's what's happening to people across the nation. Click here
