With signs of a looming opioid crisis, a public information event on prescription medicine misuse is being staged in Dandenong.
Not-for-profit group ScriptWise is staging a short documentary One Too Many as well as hosting experts on the SafeScript real-time prescription monitoring system on Tuesday 14 May.
In Greater Dandenong, prescription meds were involved in about three-quarters of overdose deaths between 2009-15.
ScriptWise spokesperson Megan Newcomb said the event was an important opportunity for people to learn more about the best treatments for managing ongoing pain, anxiety and sleep issues.
“We’ve seen that over the past ten years, people in Dandenong are being more and more affected by the use of medications which can be addictive such as opioids and sleeping tablets,” Ms Newcomb said.
“Someone may start taking these medications to manage a severe injury or to get rest during a stressful time, but don’t realise if they continue using them, they are more likely to experience unwanted side-effects.
“We hear a lot about the opioid epidemic in the US, but this is an something that is happening here in our communities too but we do have the tools to start addressing it.”
The SafeScript system is a prevention measure that gives health professionals access to their patient’s prescription history of high-risk medications such as opioids and sedatives.
In a six-month trial in western Victoria, it helped identify 4500 at-risk patients who were prescription shopping at multiple clinics and pharmacies.
The ScriptWise event is at Harmony Square, Dandenong on Tuesday 14 May from 11.30am.
For help, phone SafeScript Pharmaceutical Helpline on 1800 737 233.
