The New Jersey Prescription Monitoring Program (NJPMP) is an important component of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs’ effort to halt the abuse and diversion of prescription drugs. The NJPMP is a statewide database that collects prescription data on Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS), Human Growth Hormone and gabapentin dispensed in outpatient settings in New Jersey, and by out-of-state pharmacies dispensing in New Jersey.
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According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dentists should use prescription monitoring programs to promote the appropriate use of CDS for legitimate medical purposes, while deterring the misuse, abuse and diversion of these substances.
2 The ADA also states that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) have been shown to be more effective at reducing pain than opioid analgesics, and are therefore recommended as the first-line therapy for acute pain management.
3 According to the 2022 CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain, non-opioid therapies are at least as effective as opioids for many common acute pain conditions, including dental pain.
4 When considering prescribing opioids, dentists should conduct a medical and dental history to determine current medications, potential drug interactions and any history of substance abuse.
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In certain cases, providers are required to access the NJPMP before prescribing medicine to their patients, including:1
- The first time a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, or any opioid, is prescribed
- Every three months, if therapy is to be continued
- Any time it is suspected the patient is seeking CDS for misuse, abuse or diversion
All providers and pharmacists who are licensed by the state of New Jersey and whose licenses are in good standing with their licensing board are able to access the NJPMP to provide better-informed patient care.
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What You Should Do
You can register for the NJPMP at: newjersey.pmpaware.net/identities/new. To create your account, enter your email address as the user ID and create a password, then enter your professional and personal information. Detailed instructions are available by clicking on Registration Process Tutorial.
References:
1. NJ Consumer Affairs. NJ Prescription Monitoring Program Frequently Asked Questions, njconsumeraffairs.gov/pmp/Pages/FAQ.aspx.
2. American Dental Association. American Dental Association’s Statement on the Use of Opioids in the Treatment of Dental Pain, ada.org/about/governance/current-policies.
3. American Dental Association. Oral Analgesics for Acute Dental Pain, ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/oral-analgesics for-acute-dental pain#:~:text=Nonsteroidal%20anti%2Dinflammatory %20drugs%20(NSAIDs,therapy%20for%20acute%20pain%20management.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022 CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain, cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/rr/rr7103a1.htm.