Milestone events took place on April 3 and 11 as U.S. Pain Foundation hosted a legislative breakfast and two advocacy days, a first for the organization, which previously has hosted them only in collaboration with allied partners. The focus of both days was bills that enhance patient safety by limiting the practice of forced medication switches, known as nonmedical switching.
The April 3 program was held at the Connecticut State Capitol and featured keynote legislative speakers, a panel discussion with patients impacted by health coverage interruptions, and a summary of legislation proposed this session. Rep. Michelle Cook and Sen. Heather Somers, cosponsors of Senate Bill 379, addressed those in attendance at the breakfast, with Cook revealing her personal experience with nonmedical switching.
While it may seem harmless, drinking alcohol with certain prescription medications can cause potentially dangerous adverse effects. To help educate the public on the dangers of mixing prescriptions and alcohol, the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) created a campaign, “Don’t Mix,” as part of Talk About Your Medicines Month this October. U.S. Pain Foundation’s Founder and President Paul Gileno, who sits on the Board of Directors of the NCPIE, says he is strongly supportive of the effort.