Web Site for AWARxE Consumer Protection Program Enhanced to Provide Important, Timely Information on Prescription Drug Abuse

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill., March 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) today announced the relaunch of its AWARxE™ Web site to provide consumers seeking information on prescription drug abuse and medication safety with inviting, easy-to-read, and timely content. As the primary communication vehicle of the AWARxE consumer protection program, AWARErx.org aims to help consumers become aware of what they can do to protect their families, friends, and communities.

The refreshed AWARErx.org site features:

• Medication safety tips pages that can be printed and used as guidelines for safely obtaining, administering, and monitoring over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including guidelines specific to seniors and children
• Current information on the April 30, 2011 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) drug take-back event and properly disposing of unused, unwanted prescription medications
• Facts from the latest reports and links to resources about prescription drug misuse and abuse, counterfeit medications, and buying medicine online
• Information on counterfeit drugs and safely buying medicine online

In addition, the "Ask Your Pharmacist" page aims to help patients understand that pharmacists can assist with a variety of medication related issues, including answering questions about their medications, performing medication reviews, and collaborating with physicians to optimize drug therapy. All AWARErx.org materials encourage consumers to use medications safely by following their doctor's instructions and talking with their pharmacist when they have questions.

"NABP is looking forward to working with other organizations concerned with the protection of public health to expand this program to educate consumers on these issues and raise awareness about pharmacists' important role in patient care," said William T. Winsley, MS, RPh, NABP president. "The program's Web site, www.AWARErx.org, will continue to be the primary vehicle for delivering the AWARxE message. As NABP further develops the program, the Association will also be providing the state boards of pharmacy and other pharmacy organizations the opportunity to use the AWARxE tools."

AWARxE information is targeted to teens as well as adults. In addition to raising awareness about the dangers of abusing medications, AWARxE provides medication safety information and encourages the public to rely on pharmacists for information on Internet pharmacies and counterfeit medications. More information on the AWARxE consumer protection program is available at www.AWARErx.org.

About AWARxE

The AWARxE campaign is inspired by the tragic death of 24-year-old Justin Pearson from an accidental mixed drug overdose. Pearson, who was a resident of St Cloud, MN, ordered the prescription drugs that lead to his death from an illicit online pharmacy that did not require a valid prescription. The drugs were dispensed from pharmacies across the country.

About NABP

NABP is the independent, international, and impartial Association that assists its member boards and jurisdictions in developing, implementing, and enforcing uniform standards for the purpose of protecting the public health.

SOURCE National Association of Boards of Pharmacy