AWARxE General Brochure

Page 1

t 1 in 20 people in the U.S. faInc2010,

(age 12 or older) reported using prescription painkillers for nonmedical reasons in the past year. (SOURCE: CDC) What else are you unaware of?

Get Informed.

WWW.awarerx.ORG


Get Informed.


about AWARxE

AWARxE was founded by the Minnesota Pharmacists Foundation believing pharmacists have a critical role in providing medication safety information and helping raise awareness of the dangers of abusing and misusing medications.

AWARxE was inspired by the death of St. Cloud, MN resident Justin Pearson. Justin passed away on Christmas Day, 2006 from an overdose of prescription drugs, which he ordered online and obtained from pharmacies around the country, including at least one in Minnesota.


What is awarxe?

AWARxE is a public awareness campaign.

our mission

Our primary mission is to provide individuals with the information and education they need to enable themselves to make the right choices and decisions about prescription drugs.


Find a safe internet pharmacy at

WWW.

AWARERX.ORG

fact

84% of the sites offering controlled prescription drugs do not require that a patient provide a prescription from his or her doctor.

Many people are turning to the Internet to buy things because it can be more convenient and time efficient. The ability to compare prices at various stores is now possible without leaving your home. Purchasing medications online is drastically different than purchasing other products. When purchasing medications online, not all sites provide the same quality and safety practices. It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between real medications and fake ones made to imitate the real medications. However, it is important to know that what you are taking is the real thing. Be informed about the online pharmacy you are choosing to use.


Proper medication disposal

D E M R O F N I GET

on what to do with unused medication.

Many homes end up with unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications. In order to prevent the intentional or unintentional use of prescription medications, it is best to rid your home of any unused or unnecessary medications. Old prescriptions left in medicine cabinets or elsewhere in the home can often be an easy source for those who would like to abuse prescription medications. They may also cause confusion for people who are already taking a large number of medications.


Learn more about what the state of Minnesota is doing to inform our communities about prescription drug misuse and abuse.

WWW.

AWARERX.ORG/State_MN


fact

More than 3 in 5 teens say prescription pain relievers are easy to get.

Statistics on abuse and misuse of legal medications are illustrating a disturbing trend, while the abuse of illegal streets drugs is on the decline. There has been a prevalent rise in prescription drug and OTC medication abuse across all age groups. The availability of Internet purchasing has helped fuel this disturbing trend and created another possible danger of counterfeit medications.

Get informed about prescription drug misuse and abuse at

WWW.

AWARERX.ORG


USE MEDICINES SAFETY

fact

Enough prescription painkillers were prescribed in 2010 to medicate every American adult around-the-clock for a month. (SOURCE: CDC)

before it’s too late.

Medications can provide great health benefits when used as the doctor ordered, however there are big risks when they are abused or not taken as directed. Consumers need to take action to get informed on both the benefits and risks that medications have, how to use medicines safely, and the dangers of abusing prescription and OTC medications.


What is awarxe?

AWARxE is a public awareness campaign.

Our mission is to provide individuals with the information they need to enable them to make the right decisions about prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Contributions to support the AWARxE Campaign should be made out to: Minnesota Pharmacists Foundation Attn: AWARxE Campaign 1000 Westgate Drive, Suite 252 St. Paul, MN 55114

Or visit us on the web...

WWW.

Get InformeD.

AWARERX.ORG


Share your Story Have you or someone you know had an experience with prescription drug abuse? Have you had problems with online pharmacies or counterfeit drugs?

Share your story with us on the AWARxE blog www.AWARERX.ORG/Stories.


Volunteers are always needed

to keep a campaign such as AWARxE going strong. Volunteers can be speakers at neighborhood events, can assist with medication takeback programs or assist with the AWARxE booth at events. If you would like to volunteer please visit the volunteer page on our website at www.AWARERX.ORG.

Get Informed. Be a Volunteer.

WWW.

AWARERX.ORG


FIND HELP

Prescription drug addiction and dependence is a difficult struggle. If you or someone you know are addicted to prescription medications, please find help. You are not alone in this struggle and you should not have to tackle this problem alone.

Please Call 1-800-662-HELP or visit findtreatment.samhsa.gov (from National Institute on Drug Abuse).

This organization will help you determine the right type of treatment for you or a loved one and suggest treatment programs in your area.


contact us

info@awarerx.org anne@yourmarkit.com

Founded by Minnesota Pharmacists Foundation

Get Informed.

WWW.awarerx.ORG


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