Cephalon Partners with ACPA and APhA to Expand Prescription Medicine Abuse Awareness Program

Cephalon, Inc. (NASDAQ:CEPH) has partnered with the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) to expand its When Good Medicines Become Bad Drugs(SM) program. The program aims to educate patients, caregivers, and the public about the abuse of prescription medications, which affects approximately six million Americans and surpasses the national use of most illegal "street drugs." The expanded program provides educational tools in select pharmacies across the country and online at the program website, www.GoodMedicinesBadDrugs.com. The program features practical tips and information, including videos with leading experts in the pain and addiction community.

Key Takeaways:

• Cephalon has partnered with ACPA and APhA to expand the When Good Medicines Become Bad Drugs program, focusing on educating patients, caregivers, and the public about prescription medication abuse.
• The program aims to educate nearly three million people and remind patients to keep their medications safe in the home.
• The expanded program provides educational tools in select pharmacies across the country and online at the program website, www.GoodMedicinesBadDrugs.com.
• The program features practical tips and information, including videos with leading experts in the pain and addiction community.
• The program provides hands-on resources, including a countertop display and a patient CARE card, a graphic-based tool that shows how to use, store, and dispose of prescription medicines.
• Dr. Lesley Russell, Cephalon's Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the importance of pharmacists in educating the public about prescription medicines and reducing prescription pain medicine abuse.
• Thomas E. Menighan, Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Pharmacists Association, noted that prescription medicine abuse is a growing concern and that public understanding is crucial in preventing it.
• Penney Cowan, Founder and Executive Director of the American Chronic Pain Association, stated that the organization aims to provide people with easy-to-understand information on prescription medicines, including how they should be taken and what things should be avoided, as well as safe storage and disposal.

Statistics:

• Approximately six million Americans are affected by prescription medication abuse.
• The national use of prescription pain medicines surpasses the national use of most illegal "street drugs."
• The program aims to educate nearly three million people.
• The When Good Medicines Become Bad Drugs program provides hands-on resources, including a countertop display and a patient CARE card.

Sources:

• Cephalon, Inc.
• American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)
• American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
• Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors
• NewsRx.com