Purdue Pharma launches RxPATROL Twitter feed

STAMFORD, Conn. — Purdue Pharma has launched a new way for fighting pharmacy crime, the drug maker said Tuesday.

Purdue, which makes OxyContin (oxycodone), an opioid prescription painkiller that is a common target for drug abusers, announced the creation of Twitter.com/RxPATROL, which will allow pharmacy staff, law enforcement officials and loss-prevention personnel to follow updates about pharmacy robberies, burglaries and potential threats in their area and nationwide, as well as tweets with safety and security tips. The Twitter page is part of the RxPATROL program, which tracks and analyzes reports of pharmacy crime across the country and posts crime-related information on Rxpatrol.org.

"Pharmacy crime is a problem in many communities," RxPATROL program analyst captain Richard Conklin said. "RxPATROL is using new communication vehicles to help harmony staff and law enforcement fight pharmacy crime."

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