Safely Disposing of Surplus Prescription Opioids
- Conditions
- Opioid Use
- Interventions
- Behavioral: Informational SheetBehavioral: DisposeRx Drug Disposal kit
- Registration Number
- NCT03855241
- Lead Sponsor
- Johns Hopkins University
- Brief Summary
This study evaluates two interventions intended to increase the safe disposal of leftover prescription opioids, compared to no intervention. Participants will receive an informational sheet describing how to safely dispose of leftover prescription opioids, an informational sheet with a drug disposal kit, or no intervention. Participants will be randomized by day for pragmatic reasons.
- Detailed Description
Many persons who receive a prescription for opioids report having leftover opioids once the prescription is finished. Leftover prescription opioids serve as a reservoir of products for misuse, given 90% of people who misuse prescription opioids report obtaining the opioids from a friend, family member, or a legitimate prescription. The best way to increase the rate of safe disposal of leftover opioids is unclear. The present study will generate evidence comparing how well a drug disposal system compares with providing an informational handout on properly disposing of leftover prescription opioids. Participants will be randomized by day to one of two disposal interventions or no disposal intervention. Disposal interventions include a drug disposal kit or an informational sheet describing how to safely dispose of leftover prescription opioids. Storage and disposal characteristics for leftover prescription opioids will be measured using standardized telephone calls with participants at 3 weeks after filling the opioid prescription. If therapy is not concluded at 3 weeks or participants are not available, then a second standardized telephone call with participants will take place at 6 weeks after filling the opioid prescription.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 499
- Adult participants (age ≥ 18 years) who pick up a prescription for themselves or a family member at a Johns Hopkins pharmacy
- English speaking
- Residential address and phone number in the United States
- Filling a new prescription consisting of an immediate release opioid medication (i.e., immediate release morphine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, tramadol; alone or in combination with acetaminophen) with ≤ 7 days' supply
- Age < 18 years
- Non-English speaking
- Residential address and/or phone number outside the United States
- Opioid medication listed in participant's active medication list prior to prescription fill
- Filling any prescription consisting of any opioid with 8 or more days' supply
- Filling any prescription consisting of any extended-release / long-acting opioid medication (i.e., extended-release morphine, oxymorphone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl, methadone, buprenorphine)
- Filling an opioid prescription indicated for cough or shortness of breath
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Informational Sheet Informational Sheet Persons picking up an opioid prescription will receive an informational sheet that describes how to properly dispose of leftover opioid medications Drug Disposal Kit Informational Sheet Persons picking up an opioid prescription will receive a drug disposal kit (DisposeRx Drug Disposal kit) and instructions on how to use it Drug Disposal Kit DisposeRx Drug Disposal kit Persons picking up an opioid prescription will receive a drug disposal kit (DisposeRx Drug Disposal kit) and instructions on how to use it
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Number of participants using a safe drug disposal method for leftover prescription opioids Up to 6 weeks after prescription fill Participants who report "yes" to disposing of leftover prescription opioid medication using a disposal intervention that aligns with recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration (i.e., using a take-back program, drug disposal kit, or flushing in the toilet)
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Number of participants using any drug disposal method for leftover prescription opioids Up to 6 weeks after prescription fill Participants who report "yes" to disposing of leftover prescription opioid medication using any method
Number of participants who completed prescription opioid therapy Up to 6 weeks after prescription fill Participants who report "yes" to completing therapy for prescription opioid medication
Number of participants with safe storage of prescription opioids Up to 6 weeks after prescription fill Participants who report "yes" to safely storing prescription opioid medication (i.e., in a locked location)
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Johns Hopkins Hospital/Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center
🇺🇸Baltimore, Maryland, United States