JAMA Medical News March 2025 Medical News Summary
Mar 28, 2025
Eli Kahan, a freelance journalist and pediatrician specializing in neonatology, discusses pressing public health issues. He delves into the government's legal battle against CVS and Walgreens over their role in the opioid crisis, emphasizing accountability. The conversation shifts to a concerning resurgence of measles, driven by vaccine hesitancy, and highlights the urgent need for improved public health communication. Kahan also addresses troubling trends in infant sleep safety and rising rates of sleep-related deaths, stressing the importance of trustworthy health information.
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Pharmacies' Role in Opioid Crisis
- CVS and Walgreens allegedly violated laws by filling invalid opioid prescriptions, worsening the epidemic.
- They repeatedly dispensed a dangerous drug combo called the Holy Trinity, despite knowing its risks.
Pharmacists as Final Gatekeepers
- Pharmacists act as the final gatekeepers of prescriptions in the opioid supply chain.
- Targeting pharmacies highlights their critical role in enabling the opioid epidemic.
DOJ Suits Can Enable Federal Action
- DOJ suits have broader reach than states and can enforce federal injunctions against pharmacies.
- These suits may gather more evidence and funds that could enable stronger national opioid harm reduction measures.