Thefts, Armed Robberies of Painkillers Cause Some Pharmacies to Stop Carrying the Medications
Posted on April 20, 2011The addictive nature of prescription opiate painkillers, such as OxyContin, can create a deadly scenario – not only for the risk of side effects of overdose when abused, but by giving some addicts a drive to have the drug so strong they’re willing to commit violent crimes to get it.
In Texas, a robber was shot when he came into the store to rob it for OxyContin (oxycodone), and this is a case that’s been repeated in other states. The pharmacist, who had a weapon at the store, was held at gunpoint by the robber as he demanded OxyContin. Family members of the robber said he lived in constant pain, had used the last of his painkillers during the weekend, and wasn’t able to get the prescription refilled.
It is believed that more than two million Americans have abused or are currently abusing prescription painkillers like OxyContin, which has been compared to heroin for the strength of the addiction. Theft and robberies at major chain pharmacies have led to certain stores refusal to even stock prescription painkillers, while other pharmacies have raised prices for the drugs due to the rules and regulations they must process in order to fill and monitor prescriptions.
Other prescription painkillers have been the subject of pharmacy robberies, including Vicodin and the synthetic narcotic methadone. Even stimulant-type drugs like Ritalin, a treatment for ADHD, have been the target of robberies. In response, some pharmacy managers have decided it’s too risky to even carry many popularly-targeted drugs, even though they serve patients with legitimate prescriptions for the drugs. Many have decided not to allow employees access to guns in the store for safety reasons, and have experimented with security systems instead.
Robberies for prescription painkillers are also on the rise in Canada, where pharmacists have reported similar problems of being held at gunpoint for oxycodone and other drugs. In 2011, 13 pharmacy robberies were committed in Edmonton, Canada, a figure nearly twice that of the previous year. Law officials say most prescription drug robberies are premeditated, and a weapon is typically involved. They also occur on close settings with the pharmacists or pharmacy staff, with robbers actually entering the prescription work zones.
In Canada, the increase in robberies has accompanied an increase in treatment programs for people addicted to painkillers, especially in the age bracket of 18 to 24 years old. Some attempt to steal the medications for their own addiction, while others resell them on the streets at prices of $50 per pill or higher. Others have resorted to more organized methods of crime, such as offering to buy prescriptions from legitimate patients in or outside of pharmacy waiting areas or using fake prescriptions created for themselves.
Oxycodone is a drug addiction that progresses rapidly. Users who begin taking the drugs following an injury or surgery can quickly become addicted and will begin using the drug for its euphoric effects and to reach a state of "normalcy," even after their injury has healed. Stronger dosages are needed as the addiction escalates. Aside from pill form, oxycodone can be injested through the nose or by injection.
As crimes associated with the theft and abuse of prescription painkillers continue to rise, lawmakers and policy makers are continuing to consider more protective measures for pharmacies and for patients.
