Invited Commentary

Commentary on “Using Pill Identification Calls to Poison Centers as a Marker of Drug Abuse at Three Texas Military Bases”

Authors: David B. Liss, MD

Abstract

The opioid epidemic in the United States is fueled by both prescription medications and illicitly manufactured drugs. Individuals who purchase or obtain prescription opioids illegitimately may wish to confirm the authenticity of the pills. For those involved with regional poison center operations, it comes as no surprise that the public will call in to identify their medications.

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References

1. Ng PC, Maddry JK, Sessions D, et al. Using pill identification calls to poison centers as a marker of drug abuse at three Texas military bases. South Med J 2017;110:722-724.
 
2. Mowry JB, Spyker DA, Brooks DE, et al. 2015 annual report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ National Poison Data System (NPDS): 33rd annual report. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2016;54:924-1109.
 
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4. Spiller HA, Griffith JR. Increasing burden of pill identification requests to US poison centers. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009;47:253-255.
 
5. Rudd RA, Aleshire N, Zibbell JE, et al. Increases in drug and opioid overdose deaths-United States, 2000-2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;64:1378-1382.