Anti-abuse medication should be insured

The widespread abuse of pain medications has led to a growing public health problem in Illinois and across the country. Policymakers, law enforcement and public officials are looking at every way at combating this epidemic, but one critical tactic - prevention - is in danger of being brushed aside.

Last week, after intense pressure from the insurance industry, a critical vote in the Illinois legislature that would help address this abuse was postponed - House Bill 2743 aims to make abuse deterrent formulas (or ADFs) of these types of drugs more accessible.

ADFs combat abuse by placing physical and chemical barriers in the medication, which prevent it from being crushed, injected, or otherwise tampered with to "get the high." This bill would make the tamper-proof drugs much more accessible by ensuring coverage under health insurance policies and government health care programs.

I regularly witness the nightmares that patients encounter in trying to gain back some quality of life when dealing with chronic pain. The ADF technology acts as a barrier to prevent misuse, while enabling patients to feel better and live their lives.

For those who could benefit from pain medications with ADFs as a part of comprehensive chronic pain management strategy, higher costs of such preparations make it impossible for them to afford - even for those with insurance.

Yet, the benefits of these drugs can be life-changing or even lifesaving. It is frustrating to see various roadblocks to this alternative that can help stem the tide of this heartbreaking abuse epidemic.

ADFs offer physicians another tool to fight drug abuse in communities across the state and our nation. I urge legislators to take action on this important bill before the session concludes.

Dr. Simon Adanin, Co-Director of Acute Perioperative Pain Management Service

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Park Ridge