Purdue Pharma supports state Rx monitoring programs

CHARLESTON, S.C. Drug maker Purdue Pharma has donated $200,000 to the National Association of State Controlled Substances Authorities to address the abuse of prescription drugs, NASCSA said Tuesday.

The grant, presented at the group’s annual conference in Charleston, S.C., is designed to support state prescription drug monitoring programs. The NASCSA will be in charge of distributing the money to state agencies. Purdue is the maker of OxyContin (oxycodone), a commonly abused prescription opioid painkiller.

“State budgets are shrinking, but the abuse and diversion of prescription drug problem is a growing concern,” NASCSA executive director Kathy Keough said. “Purdue Pharma’s funding of state prescription drug monitoring programs will help keep these medications out of the wrong hands while ensuring legitimate patients have access to the medications they need.”