TamperResistantRx.com

If history is an indicator, the week before April 1, 2008 will be a busy one for printers, print brokers and paper manufacturers that deal with tamper-resistant prescriptions.

Last September, before the rule was extended, manufacturers were overwhelmed with last minute orders prompting back orders.

For example, typically Doctor Stuff has a turn around of about 5 business days plus shipping time. Starting March 15, we expect to have an 8 day turn time and are trying to put some measures into place to help existing customers meet the compliance date.

The bottom line is to order early to make sure that you have them in time.

From DrugTopics.com, Feb 5, 2008

“With only two months left before Medicaid prescriptions must be written on tamper-resistant Rx pads, the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) has issued some new resources (see below) pharmacists can use to prepare for this change. The resources include a model letter for prescribers that states may use as a template. The letter reminds prescribers that:

• Medicaid Rxs are required to have at least one tamper-resistant feature by April 1.
• Medicaid Rxs must have a minimum of one feature from each of three categories of tamper-resistant features by Oct. 1.
• they should start ordering the new prescription pads promptly, since orders may take up to four weeks to process

In addition, NCPDP considered all the tamper-resistant features in the three categories and came out with its findings on which features it favors, because they are less costly and easy to implement, and which ones are harder to implement. NCPDP urges prescribers to implement all the security features by April 1, instead of phasing in some by April 1, and then adding new ones by Oct. 1. The latter approach would be wasteful of paper and pads, it explained.”

New Resources mentioned above:

Draft Letter to Prescribers (Word Document)

Draft Letter to Prescribers (pdf)

Final Letter to Prescribers (pdf)