Painkillers are drugs that local doctors and pharmacists say is an addiction for many Alabamians.
One that Pharmacist Stephanie Peavy says has prompted all Adams drugs locations to stop stocking painkillers like Oxycontin.
"The reason we don't stock it is because of the potential for abuse and also the potential of a break-in or robbery," Peavy said.
Dr. David Herrick with the Center for Pain of Montgomery prescribes a wide-range of painkillers for his patients.
"We have to understand it, identify it and try to deal with it," Dr. Herrick said.
The FDA's new program will require manufacturers to provide education and training material for doctors as well as information for patients on extended-release and long-acting opioid drugs like Oxycontin.
"Most physicians do approach this very carefully," Dr. Herrick said.
Dr. Herrick says it sounds good but he's concerned about the impact.
"Mandate that this education takes place and you but barriers to treating patients in place it's going to negatively impact the care we give them," Dr. Herrick said.
He says Alabama is already ahead of the curve. The Alabama Department of Public Health already has a prescription drug monitoring program which doctors, pharmacists and law enforcement use.
The Alabama Medical Association also offers prescription programs courses and training materials for doctors.
"I don't know that mandating further education is going to accomplish anything more that what we are already doing," Dr. Herrick said.
Dr. Herrick says he's gearing up for the intense course in prescribing controlled drugs. It will be held next month in Orange Beach.
The FDA hopes companies will train 60 percent of doctors permitted to prescribe opioids within the next three years. Program materials must be in place by March 1, 2013.
Continuing with the crackdown of prescription drug abuse, Dr. Herrick says six months ago his office did away with handwritten prescriptions, in hopes of making it more difficult for forgers to manipulate them. They are either electronically sent to the pharmacy or typed and printed.
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