Bill seeks tamper-proof medications

ALBANY -- A state senator has introduced a bill to reduce the chances of oxycodone and similar painkillers from being crushed and snorted. It's the latest in a string of proposals aimed at stemming what some say is an "epidemic" of prescription-drug abuse.

The bill by Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola) would mandate the use of medicines that employ tamper-resistant technology where available, unless the physician gives written permission otherwise.

For example, drug companies can apply a coating that, if the pill is broken or crushed, neutralizes the pill's intended effect, he said.

"If a doctor is concerned about misuse of a certain prescription, they would have the ability to prescribe it in a certain form," Martins said.

The measure has a sponsor in the Democratic-controlled Assembly, Assemb. Harry Bronson (D-Rochester).

"I think we'll be taking a rather fast track on this," Martins said. He said he included the physician-override provision because tamper-resistant technology isn't yet available for all medications, especially generics.

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is advocating an online tracking system to help physicians and pharmacists monitor the issuance and dispensation of prescription painkillers in "real time." Schneiderman reported this week that prescriptions for oxycodone have skyrocketed "an astonishing 82 percent" across New York from 2007 to 2010.

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Jeffrey Reynolds, head of the Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, said tamper-proof medications have proven effective.

"This would be a great way to reduce the potential misuse if painkillers," he said of the bill, "while at the same time, putting financial pressure on the pharmaceutical industry to reformulate existing medications and make sure that any new painkillers brought to market contain antiabuse mechanisms."