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Welcome to this month’s Rx Rundown, a new feature designed to help claims professionals better understand medications commonly prescribed in workers’ compensation claims Each month, we’ll spotlight a different medication or therapeutic class, breaking down what it is, why it’s prescribed, potential concerns, and its place in workers’ compensation treatment. Our goal is to provide …
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As a workers’ compensation claims payer, you may be closely monitoring the rapid adoption of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes management, these medications have gained significant attention for their effectiveness in weight loss. Let’s explore the potential impact of GLP-1s on workers’ compensation claims. Understanding GLP-1 Medications GLP-1 receptor …
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Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter medication used to reduce fever and alleviate minor to moderate pain. In many households, it is the go-to medication for minor complaints including headaches, backaches, menstrual cramps, and general flu symptoms. While acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol outside the U.S., is a safe and effective medication when used correctly, it’s …
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The opioid crisis has been a significant public health concern, leading to changes in formulary guidelines regarding opioid use. In response, scientists worldwide are intensifying their efforts to develop non-opioid painkillers. This article explores these efforts and the promising alternatives on the horizon. Emerging Non-Opioid Painkillers In response to the danger of opioid use and …
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Summary For traditional generic drugs, the current pharmaceutical pipeline is drying up. In an article we published last November, we referenced that 65% of all new drug launches would be specialty drugs by the end of 2023. This is important as new generic drug conversion opportunities will diminish over the next few years. How does …
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Summary: Comorbidities and aging can have a significant impact on workers’ compensation claims. The aging workforce in the United States, combined with medical inflation and the higher possibility of comorbidity in older workers, is a driving factor in rising claim costs. Workers’ compensation payers can mitigate these challenges by being alert to the complex nature …
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With advancements in science and technology in the past 30 years, a distinct trend has emerged in the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceutical manufacturers have expanded their pipelines to launch new ‘specialty’ drugs designed to treat rare, complex, chronic diseases like cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. What follows is an overview of the specialty drug market …
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While the national Opioid Crisis is ongoing, we have made significant progress as a nation in finding alternatives for Workers’ Compensation patients suffering from both Acute and Chronic pain. Another milestone may have been achieved with Vertex’s announcement of a potentially transformative medication for the treatment of pain without serious systemic side effects such as …
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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is a U.S. federal law enforcement agency, under the U.S. Department of Justice, charged with combating illicit drug trafficking and distribution within the U.S. Established in 1973, the DEA is 50 years old this year and has been enforcing the controlled substance laws and regulations through a variety of programs …
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A randomized controlled testing of both Emergency Room sites and adult patients experiencing one or both of these acute conditions was published in the Lancet on June 28, 2023. The results of the testing show that opioids used for back and/or neck pain overall produce no better results than placebos. In addition, after 1 year, …
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