On Saturday, April 28, 2018, Virginia will participate in the 15th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, a DEA sponsored initiative providing citizens of the Commonwealth with an opportunity to dispose of potentially dangerous controlled substances from their medicine cabinets in an environmentally safe manner.

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to read a letter from DHP Director Dr. David Brown.

Visit the DEA online for more information, and to find a collection site near you.

FDA alerts health care professionals and patients not to use compounded drugs from Cantrell Drug Company; agency seeks action to stop production and distribution

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting health care professionals and patients not to use drug products produced by Cantrell Drug Company of Little Rock, Arkansas, including opioid products and other drugs intended for sterile injection, that were produced by the company and distributed nationwide. The agency is concerned about serious deficiencies in Cantrell’s compounding operations, including its processes to ensure quality and sterility assurance that put patient safety at risk. Administration of contaminated or otherwise poor quality drug products can result in serious and life-threatening injury or death. Continue reading.

Pharmaceutical Processors

Information regarding pharmaceutical processors and the dispensing of cannabidiol oil and THC-A oil.

Transfer of Unfilled Prescriptions for Schedule II, III, IV, and V controlled substances

DEA has clarified the conditions under which a prescription for an unfilled prescription for a Schedule II, III, IV, and V controlled substance may be transferred.  Click here to read more.

Collaborative Practice Agreements

A resource guide from the CDC for pharmacists to use in developing and executing collaborative practice agreements within team-based care.

Emergency Regulations for Prescribing Opioids, Buprenorphine; New PMP Reporting Requirements; Naloxone Brochure Updated

Read these updates from the Board.

Opioid Addiction Crisis Declared a Public Health Emergency in Virginia

On November 21, 2016 Governor McAuliffe issued a News Release stating that State Health Commissioner Marissa Levine has declared Virginia’s opioid abuse crisis a Public Health Emergency in the Commonwealth.

Visit the Virginia Department of Health for more information.
Download Commissioner Levine’s message to healthcare practitioners on dispensing Naloxone.

Naloxone protocol - Pharmacists shall follow this protocol when dispensing naloxone pursuant to an oral, written or standing order to a person to administer to another person believed to be experiencing or about to experience a life-threatening opiate overdose as authorized in §54.1-3408. 

Protocol for the Prescribing of Naloxone and Dispensing by Trainers, adopted June 27, 2017 - Persons authorized by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to train individuals on the administration of naloxone for opioid overdose reversal shall follow this protocol when dispensing naloxone to a person, without charge or compensation, for administration to another person believed to be experiencing or about to experience a life-threatening opioid overdose as authorized in subsection Y of § 54.1-3408.

REVIVE! Pharmacy Dispensing Brochure - This brochure is designed for pharmacists to distribute along with naloxone.

Additional information regarding REVIVE!, the Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education program may be accessed here.

Drug Disposal

How a consumer may properly dispose of unwanted prescription drugs.
Guidance from the FDA
List of Authorized Collectors of Drugs for Destruction

Video Resource - Prescription Drug Abuse - Red Flags for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians

An educational video for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to help them identify the warning signs of prescription drug abuse and diversion when dispensing prescriptions was created by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® and the Anti-Diversion Industry Working Group, a consortium of pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. This 12-minute video, entitled, "Red Flags," includes a foreword from Virginia Board of Pharmacy Executive Director, Caroline D. Juran.

Information on prescription drug abuse and medication safety (AWARxE)

Read More about AWARxE

Buying medicine online

For information about buying medicine online, visit the Consumer Protection section of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® NABP®) Web site.
For more information:
Buying Medicine and Medical Products over the Internet from the FDA

Extension of renewal requirements for deployed military and spouses

Virginia law allows active duty service people or their spouses who are deployed outside the U.S. to have an extension of time for any requirement or fee pertaining to renewal until 60 days after the person’s return from deployment.  The extension cannot last beyond 5 years past the expiration date for the license.  For more information, please read attached policy and contact the applicable board for your license.