Someone defrauding those in the chronic pain community for their own personal gain ?

Yes, in June 2019, she became a registered lobbyist. Now, she’s asking for funds for lobby services for a “firm”, when she has had this planned out for 2 years. She also has spent over $40k in go fund me donations for a “commercial”. How I became aware was that my family and friends raised $650, sent the money in, two weeks after she started the first fundraiser, she did a live video, telling people she was closing it and withdrawing the funds. I asked sonething in the comments about,”what about the receipts that were going to be provided”, because she showed up fresh off a car wreck with her daughter, with 8 shots of Botox in her face. The woman is on ssd. (She doesn’t take pain medication, btw. Says it’s a “bad look” for her in her video, so unsure why she’s so passionate about it) she’s got no business to withdraw nine thousand dollars (in the first of 5 commercial fundraisers) and come on live video, saying she’s getting her daughter a bmw and complaining how bad her face hurt after 4 thousand dollars worth of Botox injections. I was so confused and just felt wronged. I asked where our $650 went, if she could provide receipts to the donors like she had originally promised. She started tossing anyone asking anything about the money, telling people they need to trust her. How can we trust her when she won’t even answer simple questions to people she should be respectful of that did give money to her? Things were very wrong and I felt like I was in the twilight zone with this lady, because her fraud is so obvious, especially to anyone whose been watching her talk since January 2018

I don’t know who is being referenced in this FB post, nor the accuracy of the information that was posted.  However, all of those in the chronic pain community should be aware of those who will take advantage of the community for their own personal gain.

CBP intercepts thousands of fake IDs coming in from China: “Can be associated with terrorist activity.”

CBP intercepts thousands of fake IDs coming in from China: “Can be associated with terrorist activity.”

https://www.lawenforcementtoday.com/cbp-intercepts-thousands-of-fake-ids-media-is-silent-on-seizure/

U.S. Customs and Border Protection must be butter, because they’re on a roll. Dad jokes aside, CBP agents managed to intercept nearly 2,000 fake IDs during the week of March 23rd in Memphis, Tennessee.

While folks may think this only prevented numerous youngsters for buying a six-pack of beer, CBP officials say false documents present more trouble than just underage drinking.

CBP officers assigned to the Area Port of Memphis got their hands on approximately 2,000 phony driver’s licenses as well as two fake passports from what was described as a express consignment facility.

Officials stated that these faux IDs had made their way over from China and were likely headed to numerous destinations throughout the United States.

Several of the seized documents were smuggled via containers that were made to look as though they only carried tassels crafted into Chinese knots.

The Fraudulent Document Analysis Unit of the CBP determined that the IDs were all fake after the agents handed them off to them for review. From here, Homeland Security Investigations is going to be working the discovered contraband case.

The agency noted that these types of documents often garner anywhere from $250-$500 a piece on the black market.

Yes, these may be used by underage students in order to purchase items like booze or tobacco products, but CBP Area Port of Memphis Director Michael Neipert said it goes deeper than just some beers:

“Fraudulent IDs can also be associated with identity theft and terrorist activity. With all the uncertainty currently facing our nation, it is inherent that CBP Memphis Officers/Agriculture specialists remain steadfast in securing the nation’s borders.”

Meanwhile, the Border Patrol have been knocking it out of the park at our southern border, so to speak. 

Border Patrol agents have been fairly busy over in Texas, even with the pandemic in high-gear. From human smugglingenormous groups of illegal immigrants, to even some nabbed sex offenders, these Texas agents are protecting our community one solid arrest at a time.  

The substantial busts all started out in Del Rio, Texas between March 23rd and 24th. Agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector managed to arrest two illegal immigrants who carried previous convictions of sexual offenses.

On March 23rd, agents from the Uvalde Station were in the midst of conducting freight inspections when they encountered a 40-year-old Mexican national believed to be illegally present.

When processing the individual at the station, records indicated that he’d been previously convicted of sexual battery in St. Lucie County, Florida in 2009. Furthermore, he’d already been removed from the states back in 2018. He’s now facing charges for re-entry after deportation.

The day following, agents from the Comstock Station were conducting “line watch” operations, which is essentially staking out a particular area known for various criminal activity.

During said line watch, agents apprehended a 33-year-old male citizen of Mexico who carried a past that’s every parent’s worst nightmare.

Records checks revealed that this subject had a prior conviction of enticing a child in Houston back in 2011. He too had been previously deported back in 2018. Much like the March 23rd arrest, this individual is facing charges under re-entry after deportation. Either of the two sex offenders could land 20 years in prison if convicted.

Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Doyle E. Amidon, Jr. noted the amazing work by the agents within his sector:

“Agents within Del Rio Sector work tirelessly to maintain the security of our nation’s borders and protect the American public. Due to our agents’ tireless work ethic, two more violent predators have been stopped from doing further damage in our communities.”

Between March 25th and the 26th, Border Patrol agents in Edinburg, Texas were able to thwart not one, but two human smuggling attempts. One attempt was stopped via a checkpoint, whereas the other was halted via vehicle stop.

The March 25th incident happened when agents were alerted about a vehicle that was suspected of loading illegal immigrants not far from Los Ebanos. Once agents made their way to the described location, the driver of the suspected vehicle sped off after catching wind of the Border Patrol.

During the chase, the driver of the suspected vehicle stopped and four passengers from the vehicle fled. An orchestrated multi-agency effort aided by the Texas DPS Troopers, La Joya PD officers, and agents from other Border Patrol stations managed to round up the driver and the four vehicle occupants that fled earlier on in the chase.

Not even 24 hours after agents in Edinburg pulled that off, they landed another win while working the Falfurrias Checkpoint. A Nissan Pathfinder had caught the attention of K9 units and was referred over to secondary for a closer inspection.

What agents discovered was two adult illegal immigrants inside of a luggage compartment, one from Mexico and another from Guatemala. Travelling with the two was also an unaccompanied minor from Guatemala as well. Who knows what would’ve become of the smuggled minor had they entered the country undetected?

Then on March 26th, agents stationed at the Javier Vega Jr. checkpoint in Sarita, Texas were able to apprehend a whopping 48 illegal immigrants in one shot.

Agents had taken notice of a tractor/trailer that appeared to be hauling some grain aboard over to the secondary inspection area in the early morning hours. When the Kingsville agents brought forth the K9 unit to inspect the load, they’d gotten a positive alert.

Upon further inspection of what this trailer was hauling, agents happened upon 48 illegal immigrants inside, where they were hidden atop the stored grain in the load. Agents arrested the vehicle’s driver and proceeded to process all the concealed persons aboard.

The discovery falls in line with Rio Grande Valley Sector’s “Operation Big Rig,” which has aimed to address the sort of smuggling attempts.

Healthcare professionals are basically FORCED to accept the ID that is presented to them from a pt. Especially a pharmacist, who then fills a Rx and it is sent to the states’ PMP database. So those who are in the “business”of diverting legal opiates… they could have a different ID for each prescriber they go to and pharmacy they have a prescription fill at and as long as they get their 30 days supply of one or more controlled substances 30 days apart … they will never show up on any PMP report as a potential abuser or diverter.

This article was from a LAW ENFORCEMENT website, so is law enforcement, in general, aware of this issue ?  If they are, are they intentionally ignoring it ? Fake ID’s can contribute to the diversion of legal opiates.  Could law enforcement and our judicial system being putting up the facade of fighting the war on drugs – since 1970 – and yet ignoring what could be a serious factor contributing to the diversion of legal opiates.

At the same time the DEA continues to profess that the prescribing of legal opiates is the primary driving force behind opiate/controlled substance addictions and OD’s.

As I have stated before, the primary function of a bureaucrat is to perpetuate and grow the bureaucracy and this could be just one part of the DEA/judicial system meeting that task/goal.

Oath of a Pharmacist

Oath of a Pharmacist

https://www.pharmacist.com/oath-pharmacist

The revised Oath was adopted by the AACP House of Delegates in July 2007 and has been approved by the American Pharmacists Association. AACP member institutions should plan to use the revised Oath of a Pharmacist during the 2008-09 academic year and with spring 2009 graduates.

“I promise to devote myself to a lifetime of service to others through the profession of pharmacy. In fulfilling this vow:

  • I will consider the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering my primary concerns.
  • I will apply my knowledge, experience, and skills to the best of my ability to assure optimal outcomes for my patients.
  • I will respect and protect all personal and health information entrusted to me.
  • I will accept the lifelong obligation to improve my professional knowledge and competence.
  • I will hold myself and my colleagues to the highest principles of our profession’s moral, ethical and legal conduct.
  • I will embrace and advocate changes that improve patient care.
  • I will utilize my knowledge, skills, experiences, and values to prepare the next generation of pharmacists.

I take these vows voluntarily with the full realization of the responsibility with which I am entrusted by the public.”

This comes from the American Pharmacist Association https://www.pharmacist.com/  who claims to represent about 62,000 licensed pharmacists – about 20% of all licensed pharmacists – and founded in 1852, is the first-established professional society of pharmacists within the United States https://www.pharmacist.com/.

I would what would happen if all pts that got a “I’m not comfortable” or just out right denial of having their prescriptions filled.. or some other bogus reason/excuse.  If the pt file a complaint with the state board of pharmacy of unprofessional conduct based on their failure to honor the first “bullet point” of the Oath of a Pharmacist ?  I will consider the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering my primary concerns

“suffering” should not just be “pain” but any/all mental/physical suffering, which should cover at least most all of the subjective diseases.

 

 

pharmacist said that he can not complete my order because my doctor is more than 30 miles away

I recently moved back to xxxxxxxxxx. When looking for a pain management doctor I found I had to go out of the area to see a doctor. When the #campfire took everything I owned I moved to a rental for 16 months. Now that I am back and settled into my new home in xxxxxxxx I looked for an inexpensive place to fill my prescriptions. I did reduce my high opiates with this doctor leaving me to only take and try to live with my chronic pain with Cymbalta, Tramadol and Subutex. As you probably know the subutex is expensive. Raleys happened to be the cheaper choice and 13.1 miles from my home. Upon turning in my doctors prescriptions the associate took all of my info and all of mt goodrx coupon info and said there should be no problem and will text me when my prescriptions are ready for pick up. By the time

I got home I recieved a message from the pharmacist that he can not complete my order because my doctor is more than 30 miles away.

I am on a SSDI income and can’t afford the other pharmacies in my neighborhood. I have had to conserve what I have and yesterday while taking a shower I moved a wrong way and the pain was so bad I fell over and out of the shower pulling the curtain down with me. I dont know how much more I can endure living this way and hoping you can help. I have texted the Raleys offices in Sacramento with no help.
The DEA has stated that it is a RED FLAG for a pt to travel a “long distance” to see a physician or go to a pharmacy to get a Rx filled.  To the best of my knowledge the DEA has never DEFINED what is a “long distance”  This came from the period years ago when people were going to pill mill clinics in FL and showing up in pharmacies states away wanting to get those Rxs filled.
Some time ago I heard of story about a Walgreen’s Pharmacist that refused to fill a pt’s Rx because the pt’s home was not in the same zip code as the pharmacy. HOWEVER, the pt’s home was 0.5 miles from the Walgreens BUT there was a zip code boundary line between the pt’s home and the Walgreens.
When it is stated that most people live within a 5 miles of a pharmacy.. that sort of belief as to what is a “long distance” seems to be a little TOO NARROW.
Here is a website where the pharmas are suppose to help those who are having trouble paying for their medications. https://medicineassistancetool.org/ There could also be some one time assistance from American Red Cross, United Way, Salvation Army and numerous others.  Some will give assistance for rent and utilities but not meds and some will help with meds but not rent and utilities..  Be careful what you first ask for… some may have no do overs to ask for assistance.
Some pharmacies – that is closer to your home.. may match the price of another store.
If you feel that you need to talk to someone at the “offending pharmacy”… perhaps trying to get a hold of the VP of Pharmacy services to discuss your concerns about the poor service that you encountered.   Sometimes the pharmacist is enforcing corporate policy but others it may be that the pharmacist has developed their own policies and pharmacy management may not be aware of this and/or approve of these personal policies.
This suggests that this pharmacist or pharmacy has no concerns about the medication needs or the financial circumstances of the pt. Providing healthcare should not be determined by some arbitrary check list, but that seems to what is happening all too many times

Dr. Thomas Kline, MD, PhD: Medical Myths Revealed : Corona Virus Gloves Masks and hazmats

https://youtu.be/ihDeZscY8e4

gloves are spreading disease, masks are ok if not wet and if exposed to people with the dsease and hazmats are a waste of money more alcholol more wipes wash hands

 

Johnson & Johnson posts ‘temporary’ Tylenol shortage amid heightened demand

Johnson & Johnson posts ‘temporary’ Tylenol shortage amid heightened demand

https://www.fiercepharma.com/manufacturing/johnson-johnson-reports-temporary-tylenol-shortage-amid-heightened-demand

With anxiety about the U.S. drug supply running high these days, drugmakers have been keeping a close eye on demand spikes. Now, Johnson & Johnson, maker of ubiquitous painkiller Tylenol, is reporting shortages in certain markets as consumers stock their medicine chests.

J&J is reporting a “temporary” scarcity of Tylenol after heightened demand for the over-the-counter drug has strained supply, the drugmaker said in a statement.

The shortage is limited to specific regions, and J&J says it’s speeding up production to meet the increase demand. J&J is working with retailers to “encourage” purchasing limits and is working to keep supplies running to consumers and hospitals. 

“We are committed to maintaining our increased production, including running lines up to 24/7 to maximize supply,” J&J said in a statement.

The spot shortages of Tylenol come as U.S. consumers have focused in on the global pharmaceutical supply chain’s ability to keep up with increased demand amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. 

Saturday, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn told Fox News the administration has seen spot shortages of certain medications during the crisis but hasn’t observed state actors like China, a major producer of global active pharmaceutical ingredients, deliberately affecting U.S. supply.

Hahn did highlight the need for increased “redundancy” in the supply chain to help shore up patient access in the event of heightened and sustained demand for certain drugs. 

Late last month, J&J began running its Tylenol manufacturing at top speed after the drugmaker saw between two and four times the normal amount of demand for the OTC brand, Reuters reported.

Last week, the FDA reported shortages of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, antimalarial meds that have been targeted by President Donald Trump and others as front-runners for a possible COVID-19 therapeutic.

Despite a “significant surge in demand,” the FDA said manufacturers are working to ramp up production of the drugs to supply ongoing clinical trials as well as fill prescriptions for existing patients. The FDA’s updated drug shortages list as of Monday listed 148 products across the pharmaceutical spectrum.

Other approved drugs and investigational candidates––including Gilead Sciences’ therapeutic hopeful remdesivir––have neared shortages as the push for a COVID-19 therapeutic continues. Earlier this week, Gilead said it had stepped up production of remdesivir to meet heightened demand, pledging to donate 1.5 million doses of the drug ready or nearly ready for shipment.

Given that Purell, which contains alcohol ONLY, has formally admitted that it doesn’t have studies documenting that it kills Coronavirus

PLEASE PASS ON !!!

[Note: Given that Purell, which contains alcohol ONLY, has formally admitted that it doesn’t have studies documenting that it kills Coronavirus (see email from them to Ron Panzer, below), and given the millions of human lives at stake, and given that ONLY Purell is provided to passengers on these various kinds of ships, provided in hospitals, health care centers, dentists’ offices, physicians’ and nurses’ offices and their hospital medical staffs, store employees across the board, etc. (not to mention decades of ONLY Purell supplied to ship passengers who suffered and died from contracting Norovirus!), shouldn’t our government officials revise their positions immediately, including our CDC, etc.?   Shouldn’t the public and our officials at least be able to make a choice by also providing them with products that DO kill Coronavirus — rather than just continue with providing ONLY Purell across the board even though Purell admits that it doesn’t kill Coronavirus — and continue causing millions of deaths??  There are already many products that do kill viruses, and even safe to use on hands (e.g., 3% hydrogen peroxide, even UV light!); many more could be rapidly developed!

The email copied below from Purell’s producer, GOJO, was sent to Ron Panzer who requested documentation from them that their product kills Coronavirus. Ron is founder of Hospice Patients Alliance [https://www.hospicepatients.org/], is a nurse, and HPA President.   With his consent I am forwarding GOJO’s email response to him to you, with my emphases in “bold red” included within the e-mail itself. These emphases are marks of serious points of concern with their remarks:

  1. Purell admits that its formula kills bacteria — but stops short of saying that it also kills viruses.
  2. Not true that the FDA has not approved any other hand sanitizers or hand sanitizing wipes as safe and effective for the prevention of coronavirus, as both Clorox and Lysol sprays and handi-wipes have been so documented, as well as several other sanitizers that could be used on hands (e.g., 3% hydrogen peroxide, etc.).
  3. One “scientific” study (even assuming it is true) does not an objective scientific fact make.                 Purell claims it is sharing “scientific knowledge” about ONE study, on a different virus. But it provides no URL for the “Table” presented, a single experiment does NOT pass the Scientific Method (including Replication by independent researchers in independent labs around the world) and thus is not an objective scientific fact, and no one can be sure if the researchers/company proving such “scientific knowledge” within this Table are under any undue influence from Purell or it’s producer, GOJO.
  4. Purell states specifically that it has published NO SPECIFIC STUDIES documenting that its product kills Coronavirus!!!

 

See also:  “FDA to Purell: Stop claiming your hand sanitizers eliminate Ebola and the flu”, at:  https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/27/business/fda-purell/index.html;   also, Made in China: “Maker of PURELL Hand Sanitizer Denied Trump Tariff Relief”, at: https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/maker-purell-hand-sanitizer-denied-120052178.html

To President Trump: Given the decades and millions of deaths of innocent people, high time that this monumental disaster of scientific fraud get LEGALLY RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY before any more human lives are lost. DNI]

 

——– Forwarded Message ——–

Subject: RE: Please provide link to scientific evidence that your products inactivates Corona Virus SARS CoV-2
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2020 14:45:34 +0000
From: TIP <tip@GOJO.COM>
To: rpanzer@hospicepatients.org <rpanzer@hospicepatients.org>, TIP <tip@GOJO.COM>

 

Hi Ron,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding activity of PURELL Hand Sanitizers and efficacy against Coronavirus. Before answering this question, we must inform you that hand sanitizers and hand sanitizing wipes are regulated as Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs by the FDA and are indicated for use on hands to help reduce bacteria that can cause disease. FDA has not approved these (or any other) hand sanitizers or hand sanitizing wipes as safe and effective for the prevention of coronavirus. Consequently, we do not make any claims that use of these products will prevent infection by COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends practicing good hand hygiene to help prevent the spread of this type of respiratory illness “Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds… If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.”  (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html). Our PURELL advanced products are all formulated with 70% alcohol.

FDA does permit the sharing of scientific knowledge regarding off-label information in cases such as your request.  We can share that an independent laboratory has tested a similar strain of Coronavirus, SARS-associated coronavirus, CDC strain 200300592, like the one that is currently causing the COVID-19 pandemic in many parts of the world. The data has shown a greater than a six-log reduction of the virus in a 30 second contact time (Table 1). 

[[no URL given for this single experiment]]

Product Method Virus Strain Study Number

Lab

Date

Time Log Reduction
PURELL Advanced Gel (9670-532) ASTM E1052 SARS-associated Coronavirus, CDC strain 200300592 512-199

Microbac Laboratories

Oct 19, 2012

30 sec ≥6.17
PURELL Advanced Foam (9870-532) ASTM E1052 SARS-associated Coronavirus, CDC strain 200300592 512-199

Microbac Laboratories

Oct 19, 2012

 

30 sec ≥6.17
PURELL Advanced Skin Nourishing Foam

(9870-531)

ASTM E1052 SARS-associated Coronavirus, CDC strain 200300592 512-199

Microbac Laboratories

Oct 19, 2012

 

30 sec ≥6.17

 

No specific Coronavirus in vivo studies have been published to date.

Thank you for your inquiry. Please let me know if you have additional questions.

Chip Manuel, Ph.D.

Hygiene Sciences & Public Health Advancements

Food Safety Science Advisor

ManuelC@GOJO.com

Office: 330-869-1481

Mobile: 864-940-7519

Fax: 330-255-61115

 

—–Original Message—–
From: Ron Panzer <rpanzer@hospicepatients.org> 
Sent: Wednesday, April 1, 2020 3:20 AM
To: TIP <tip@GOJO.COM>
Subject: Please provide link to scientific evidence that your products inactivates Corona Virus SARS CoV-2

Hi,

We are in healthcare and wish to see the actual scientific evidence that your hand sanitizer inactivates and protects people from infection from the SARS CoV-2 coronavirus that causes the COVID 19 illness.

Please provide the name of and a link to scientific studies so we can read what studies have been done.

Sincerely,

Ron Panzer

HPA, Inc.

 

New $35 Co-Pay Now Available Through Lilly Insulin Value Program in Response to COVID-19 Crisis in U.S.

New $35 Co-Pay Now Available Through Lilly Insulin Value Program in Response to COVID-19 Crisis in U.S.

https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/new-35-co-pay-now-available-through-lilly-insulin-value-program

Insulin savings available for people with commercial insurance and the uninsured by calling (833) 808-1234

INDIANAPOLIS, April 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — In response to the crisis caused by COVID-19, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) is introducing the Lilly Insulin Value Program, allowing anyone with commercial insurance and those without insurance at all to fill their monthly prescription of Lilly insulin for $35. The program is effective today and covers most Lilly insulins including all Humalog® (insulin lispro injection 100 units/mL) formulations.

The savings can be obtained by calling the Lilly Diabetes Solution Center at (833) 808-1234. The Solution Center is open 8 am to 8 pm (EDT) Monday through Friday. Representatives at the Solution Center will help people with diabetes obtain a card in the most convenient way for them, including through email or the U.S. mail. A card can typically be received within 24 hours by email. If you already have a co-pay card from the Lilly Diabetes Solution Center for an amount higher than $35, no action is necessary. Active co-pay cards have been re-set to a $35 co-pay.

Representatives at the Solution Center can also direct people to affordability options that may reduce their out-of-pocket costs further – such as free insulin for people with minimal income, or no income at all, that has been donated by Lilly to non-profit organizations.

“Too many people in the U.S. have lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 crisis, and we want to make sure no one goes without their Lilly insulin,” said Mike Mason, president, Lilly Diabetes. “We’ve been providing affordability solutions for a long time, but more is needed to help people during this unprecedented period. People with commercial insurance, as well as those without insurance at all, are eligible, and the process is quick and simple. We want people who need help to call us.”

“It’s critical that people with diabetes can reliably access insulin at a low, consistent out-of-pocket cost. Enabling a $35 per month insulin co-pay regardless of employment status will help many Americans in this difficult time,” said CEOs Aaron Kowalski and Thom Scher on behalf of the JDRF-Beyond Type 1 Alliance. 

The program is one of several affordability options that can be accessed through the Solution Center. Because of federal guidelines, seniors with Medicare Part D plans are not eligible for a co-pay card, but they can call the Solution Center to see if they are eligible for another option, such as donated insulin for people with lower incomes or Insulin Lispro Injection (100 units/mL), a non-branded version of Humalog U-100 with a 50 percent lower list price. People with an urgent need for insulin and nowhere else to turn can contact the Solution Center for an immediate supply. Additionally, people with commercial insurance who use Baqsimi® (glucagon) nasal powder 3 mg can pay as little as $25 for up to two devices with a co-pay card, which was first made available last summer.

A separate co-pay card for Humulin® R U-500 (insulin human injection, 500 units/mL) allows for a monthly prescription fill for as little as $25 for people with commercial insurance and can be accessed at Humulin.com.

“The Lilly Insulin Value Program is meant to help address the needs of people in this crisis, but we also remain committed to exploring additional solutions that provide meaningful impact for those living with diabetes beyond the current crisis,” said Mason.

Lilly has introduced several solutions in recent years to help meet the individual financial circumstances of people living with diabetes, including three non-branded versions of Humalog insulin options with list prices 50 percent lower than the branded versions. In January, the company announced plans to donate at least 200,000 KwikPens® to relief agencies over the next three years.

As we announced on March 3, Lilly does not currently anticipate shortages of any forms of our insulin during the COVID-19 crisis. All forms of Lilly insulin are available in U.S. pharmacies, and pharmacies that don’t stock certain medicines can order them from wholesalers, with delivery in 1-2 days. Lilly is committed to manufacturing medicines that meet global safety, quality, value and environmental expectations and is committed to public health and the needs of people with chronic conditions, including diabetes, who depend on our medicines around the world.

Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to the co-pay cards. Not available to those patients with government insurance such as Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Part D, TRICARE®/CHAMPUS, Medigap, DoD, or any State Patient or Pharmaceutical Assistance Program.

PURPOSE and SAFETY SUMMARY
Important Facts About Humalog® (HU-ma-log) and Insulin Lispro Injection

  • Humalog is also known as insulin lispro injection. 
  • Humalog and Insulin Lispro Injection are fast-acting insulins. They are used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes. They are available only with a prescription.
  • Humalog comes in two strengths: U-100 (100 units per milliliter) and U-200 (200 units per milliliter). The Humalog U-200 prefilled pen contains 2 times as much insulin per 1 milliliter as standard (U-100) insulin. The dose window on the pen shows your insulin dose.  
  • It is not known if Humalog or Insulin Lispro Injection are safe and effective for children with type 2 diabetes or for children younger than 3 years of age with type 1 diabetes. There were no studies done with these insulins in these groups of children. If your doctor decides to give your child one of these insulins, he or she may give you special instructions.

Important Facts about Humalog® Mix50/50™, Humalog® Mix75/25™, and Insulin Lispro Protamine and Insulin Lispro Injectable Suspension Mix75/25

  • Humalog Mix50/50 and Humalog Mix75/25 are known as insulin lispro protamine and insulin lispro injectable suspension.
  • Humalog Mix50/50, Humalog Mix75/25, and Insulin Lispro Protamine and Insulin Lispro Injectable Suspension Mix75/25 are mixed U-100 insulins. This means they contain a mix of fast-acting and intermediate-acting insulins. They are used to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. They are available only with a prescription.
  • It is not known if Humalog Mix50/50, Humalog Mix75/25, or Insulin Lispro Protamine and Insulin Lispro Injectable Suspension Mix75/25 are safe and effective for children younger than 18 years of age. There were no studies done with these insulins in children younger than 18. If your doctor decides to give your child one of these insulins, he or she may give you special instructions.

All Humalog and Insulin Lispro Injection products contain insulin lispro.  Humalog Mix50/50, Humalog Mix75/25, and Insulin Lispro Protamine and Insulin Lispro Injectable Suspension Mix75/25 contain insulin lispro protamine mixed with insulin lispro.

Warnings

Do not take Humalog, Insulin Lispro Injection, Humalog Mix50/50, Humalog Mix75/25, or Insulin Lispro Protamine and Insulin Lispro Injectable Suspension Mix75/25 if you have:

  • symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • an allergy to insulin lispro products or any of their ingredients.

Do not reuse needles or share your insulin injection supplies with other people. This includes your: 

  • prefilled pen for use by a single patient
  • cartridges
  • reusable pen that works with Lilly 3mL cartridges
  • needles
  • syringes

You or the other person can get a serious infection. This can happen even if you change the needle. 

Do not change the type of insulin you take or your dose, unless your doctor tells you to. This could cause low or high blood sugar, which could be serious. 

Do not use a syringe to remove Humalog from your prefilled pen. This can cause you to take too much insulin. Taking too much insulin can lead to severe low blood sugar. This may result in seizures or death.

Humalog, Insulin Lispro Injection, Humalog Mix50/50, Humalog Mix75/25, and Insulin Lispro Protamine and Insulin Lispro Injectable Suspension Mix75/25 may cause serious side effects. Some of these can lead to death. The possible serious side effects are:

  • Low blood sugar. This can cause:
– dizziness or light-headedness – sweating – confusion
– headache – blurred vision – slurred speech
– shakiness – fast heartbeat – anxiety
– irritability – mood change – hunger

If you are at risk of having severely low blood sugar, your doctor may prescribe a glucagon emergency kit. These are used when your blood sugar becomes too low and you are unable to take sugar by mouth. Glucagon helps your body release sugar into your bloodstream.

  • Severe allergic reaction.
    Get emergency help right away if you have:
– a rash over your whole body – trouble breathing – a fast heartbeat
– sweating – a faint feeling – shortness of breath
– extreme drowsiness – dizziness – confusion
– swelling of your face, tongue,
or throat
  • Low potassium in your blood. This can lead to severe breathing problems, irregular heartbeat, and death.

 

  • Heart failure. Taking diabetes pills called thiazolidinediones (thIE-uh-zOH-li-dEEn-dIE-OHns), or “TZDs,” with insulin lispro products may cause heart failure in some people. This includes people who do not have any heart problems. If you have heart failure, it may get worse if you take TZDs with these insulin lispro products. Tell your doctor if you have any new symptoms of heart failure, or if they get worse. Some symptoms of heart failure include: shortness of breath, swelling of ankles and feet, and sudden weight gain. Your doctor may need to change or stop treatment with TZDs and your insulin lispro product.

 

  • High blood sugar and ketoacidosis. You can have these serious problems when your insulin pump or infusion set stops working. They can also happen if your insulin is no longer effective. For these reasons, always keep extra insulin injection supplies with you.

 

Common side effects

The most common side effects of Humalog, Insulin Lispro Injection, Humalog Mix50/50, Humalog Mix75/25, and Insulin Lispro Protamine and Insulin Lispro Injectable Suspension Mix75/25 are:

– low blood sugar – allergic reactions
– reactions where you have injected insulin – changes in fat tissue where you have injected insulin
– swelling of your hands or feet – weight gain
– itching – rash

These are not all of the possible side effects. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects. You can report side effects at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before using
Talk with your doctor about low blood sugar and how to manage it. Also tell your doctor:

  • about all of the medicines you take, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
  • about any other prescription medicines you take, especially ones called TZDs.
  • about all of your medical conditions, including if you have heart failure or other heart, liver, or kidney problems.
  • if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed.

How to take
Read the Instructions for Use that come with your Humalog, Insulin Lispro Injection, Humalog Mix50/50, Humalog Mix75/25, or Insulin Lispro Protamine and Insulin Lispro Injectable Suspension Mix75/25. Be sure to take your insulin lispro product and check your blood sugar levels exactly as your doctor tells you to. Your doctor may tell you to change your dose because of illness, increased stress, or changes in your weight, diet, or physical activity level. He or she may also tell you to change the amount or time of your dose because of other medicines or different types of insulin you take.

Before injecting your insulin lispro product
You can inject your insulin dose yourself, or you can have a trained caregiver inject it for you. Make sure you or your caregiver:

  • Check the insulin label before each injection. This will help you make sure that you are taking the correct insulin.
  • Use a new needle for each injection. You can get a serious infection or the wrong dose of insulin if you re-use needles.
  • Change (rotate) where you inject your insulin with each dose. This can reduce your chance of getting pits, lumps, or thickened skin where you inject your insulin. Do not inject your insulin into the exact same spot or where the skin has pits or lumps. Avoid injecting into thickened, tender, bruised, scaly, hard, scarred, or damaged skin.

When you are ready to inject

  • If you are taking Humalog or Insulin Lispro Injection, inject it under your skin within 15 minutes before or right after you eat a meal.
  • If you are taking Humalog Mix50/50, Humalog Mix75/25, or Insulin Lispro Protamine and Insulin Lispro Injectable Suspension Mix75/25, inject it under your skin within 15 minutes before you eat a meal.

Staying safe while taking your insulin lispro product

To stay safe while taking your insulin, be sure to never inject Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix50/50, Humalog Mix75/25, or Insulin Lispro Protamine and Insulin Lispro Injectable Suspension Mix75/25 in your vein, muscle, or with an insulin pump.  Also be sure not to:

  • mix Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix50/50, Humalog Mix75/25, or Insulin Lispro Protamine and Insulin Lispro Injectable Suspension Mix75/25 with other insulins or liquids. 
  • drive or use heavy machinery until you know how your insulin lispro product affects you. 
  • drink alcohol or use other medicines that contain alcohol when taking your insulin lispro product.

Learn more
For more information, call 1-800-545-5979 or go to www.humalog.com or www.lillyinsulinlispro.com.

This summary provides basic information about Humalog, Insulin Lispro Injection, Humalog Mix50/50, Humalog Mix75/25, and Insulin Lispro Protamine and Insulin Lispro Injectable Suspension Mix75/25. It does not include all information known about these medicines. Read the information that comes with your prescription each time your prescription is filled. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor. Be sure to talk to your doctor or other health care provider about your insulin lispro product and how to take it. Your doctor is the best person to help you decide if these medicines are right for you.

HI BOI SP U100 75/25 CON BS 10JAN2020

For additional information, talk to your healthcare providers and please click to access Humalog Full Prescribing Information, Humalog U-100 Patient Information, Humalog U-200 Patient Information, Humalog Mix75/25 Full Prescribing Information, Humalog Mix75/25 Patient Information, Humalog Mix50/50 Full Prescribing Information, Humalog Mix50/50 Patient Information, Insulin Lispro Injection Full Prescribing Information, Insulin Lispro Injection Patient Information, Insulin Lispro Protamine and Insulin Lispro Injectable Suspension Mix75/25 Full Prescribing Information, and Insulin Lispro Protamine and Insulin Lispro Injectable Suspension Mix75/25 Patient Information.

Please see Instructions for Use included with the product.

PURPOSE and SAFETY SUMMARY
Important Facts About BAQSIMI™ (BAK-see-mee). It is also known as glucagon nasal powder.

BAQSIMI is a prescription medicine used to treat very low blood sugar (severe hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes ages 4 years and above.

It is not known if BAQSIMI is safe and effective in children under 4 years of age.

Warnings
Do not use BAQSIMI if:

  • you have a tumor in the gland on top of your kidneys (adrenal gland) called pheochromocytoma.
  • you have a tumor in your pancreas called insulinoma. 
  • you are allergic to glucagon, or any other ingredient in BAQSIMI. 

BAQSIMI may cause serious side effects, including:

High blood pressure. BAQSIMI can cause high blood pressure in certain people with tumors in their adrenal glands.

Low blood sugar. BAQSIMI can cause certain people with tumors in their pancreas to have low blood sugar.

Serious allergic reaction. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have a serious allergic reaction including:

  • rash
  • difficulty breathing
  • low blood pressure

Common side effects

The most common side effects of BAQSIMI include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • headache
  • runny nose
  • discomfort in your nose
  • stuffy nose
  • redness in your eyes
  • itchy nose, throat, and eyes
  • watery eyes

These are not all the possible side effects of BAQSIMI. For more information, ask your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before using
Before getting BAQSIMI, tell your health care provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have a tumor in your pancreas.
  • have not had food or water for a long time (prolonged fasting or starvation).
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if BAQSIMI passes into your breast milk. You and your doctor should decide if you can use BAQSIMI while breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

How to use

  • Read the detailed Instructions for Use that comes with BAQSIMI.
  • Use BAQSIMI exactly how your doctor tells you to use it.
  • Make sure your caregiver knows where you keep your BAQSIMI and how to use BAQSIMI the right way before you need their help.
  • Your doctor will tell you how and when to use BAQSIMI.
  • BAQSIMI contains only 1 dose of medicine and cannot be reused.
  • BAQSIMI should be given in one side of your nose (nostril) but does not need to be inhaled.
  • BAQSIMI will work even if you have a cold or are taking cold medicine.
  • After giving BAQSIMI, the caregiver should call for emergency medical help right away.
  • If the person does not respond after 15 minutes, another dose may be given, if available.
  • Tell your doctor each time you use BAQSIMI.
  • Store BAQSIMI at temperatures up to 86°F (30°C).
  • Keep BAQSIMI in the shrink wrapped tube until you are ready to use it.

Keep BAQSIMI and all medicines out of the reach of children.
Learn more
For more information, call 1-800-545-5979 or go to www.baqsimi.com.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use BAQSIMI for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give BAQSIMI to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.

This summary provides basic information about BAQSIMI but does not include all information known about this medicine.  You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about BAQSIMI that is written for health professionals. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor.  Be sure to talk to your doctor or other health care provider about BAQSIMI and how to take it.  Your doctor is the best person to help you decide if BAQSIMI is right for you.

Please click to access the Baqsimi full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.

GN CON BS 24JUL19

PURPOSE and SAFETY SUMMARY

Important Facts About Humulin® (HUE-mu-lin) R U-500. It is also known as insulin human injection (500 units/mL).

Humulin R U-500 is a prescription insulin used in adults and children who need more than 200 units of insulin a day to control high blood sugar for their diabetes mellitus. It is more concentrated than standard insulin. It has 5 times as much insulin in each mL as standard insulin.

It is not known if Humulin R U-500 is safe and effective when used with other insulins, when used in an insulin pump, or in children. There were no studies done in children, so your doctor will give you special instructions for use in children.

Warnings

Humulin R U-500 may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Severe low blood sugar, which can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, and death.
  • Severe allergic reactions. Get medical help right away if you develop a rash over your whole body, have trouble breathing, have a fast heartbeat, or are sweating.
  • Swelling of your hands and feet. Tell your doctor if you are short of breath, have swelling in your ankles, or have gained weight suddenly.
  • Heart failure when taking a medication from a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones (TZDs) with Humulin R U-500. This may occur in some people even if they have not had heart problems before.
  • Low potassium in your blood (hypokalemia). This can lead to severe breathing problems, irregular heartbeat, and death.

Do not share your Humulin R U-500 KwikPen®  or U-500 syringe with anyone. Even if you have changed the needle, you or the other person can get a serious infection.

When using the Humulin R U-500 KwikPen: The Humulin R U-500 KwikPen is made to dial and deliver the correct dose of Humulin R U-500 insulin. Do not remove Humulin R U-500 from the KwikPen to inject with any syringe. This could cause severe overdose and may lead to death.

When using the Humulin R U-500 vial: There is a special syringe to measure Humulin R U-500 called the “U-500 insulin syringe.” Only use the U-500 insulin syringe to inject Humulin R U-500. If you do not use the right syringe, you may take the wrong dose of Humulin R U-500. This could cause severe overdose and may lead to death.  

Do NOT perform dose conversion when using the Humulin R U-500 KwikPen or U-500 insulin syringe.

Do not use Humulin R U-500 in an insulin pump or inject it into your vein or muscle.

Do not take this medicine if you have low blood sugar.

Do not change the insulin you use without talking to your doctor. Changing insulin may lead to low or high blood sugar.

Do not drive or use heavy machinery until you know how Humulin R U-500 affects you. Do not drink alcohol while using Humulin R U-500.

Common side effects

The most common side effects of Humulin R U-500 include:

  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Talk to your doctor about low blood sugar symptoms and treatment. Symptoms may be different for each person.
  • Allergic reactions, such as redness and swelling at the site where you inject.
  • Skin thickening or pits at the injection site (lipodystrophy).
  • Itching and rash.

These are not all the possible side effects of Humulin R U-500.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effects. You can report side effects at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before using

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Also tell your doctor about:

  • Any allergies you have. Your doctor can check if the medicine has ingredients that may cause a reaction.
  • Any medical conditions, including problems with your liver, kidney, or heart.
  • All the medicines you take, especially a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones, or TZDs.  Be sure to include the over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take.

How to take

  • Read the instructions that come with your Humulin R U-500 carefully. Take it exactly the way your doctor tells you.
  • Know how much Humulin R U-500 you are supposed to take. Do not change your dose unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Check the label of your insulin each time you use it. This will help you make sure you are using the right one.
  • Test your blood sugar before you take Humulin R U-500. Do not take it if your blood sugar is too low. 
  • Do not mix Humulin R U-500 with any other insulin.
  • Always use a new needle when injecting Humulin R U-500. This will help you avoid infection.
  • Inject Humulin R U-500 under your skin. Change (rotate) where you inject your insulin with each dose.  Do not inject your insulin into the exact same spot.  Avoid injecting your insulin into areas where the skin has pits or lumps, or is thickened, tender, bruised, scaly, hard, scarred, or damaged.  This will help reduce your chance of getting pits, lumps, or thickened skin where you inject your insulin.

Learn more

For more information, call 1-800-545-5979 or go to humulin.com.

This summary provides basic information about Humulin R U-500 but does not include all information known about this medicine. Read the information that comes with your prescription each time your prescription is filled. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor. Be sure to talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider about Humulin R U-500 and how to take it. Your doctor is the best person to help you decide if Humulin R U-500 is right for you.

Please click to access the Humulin R U-500 full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.

Humulin® , Humalog®, Humalog® Mix50/50TM, and Humalog® Mix75/25TM KwikPen® and Baqsimi® are trademarks and registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.

HM CON BS 15NOV2019

About Diabetes
Approximately 34 million Americans1 (just over 1 in 10) and an estimated 463 million adults worldwide2 have diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type internationally, accounting for an estimated 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes cases in the United States alone1. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body does not properly produce or use the hormone insulin.

About Lilly Diabetes
Lilly has been a global leader in diabetes care since 1923, when we introduced the world’s first commercial insulin. Today we are building upon this heritage by working to meet the diverse needs of people with diabetes and those who care for them. Through research, collaboration and quality manufacturing we strive to make life better for people affected by diabetes and related conditions. We work to deliver breakthrough outcomes through innovative solutions—from medicines and technologies to support programs and more. For the latest updates, visit http://www.lillydiabetes.com/ or follow us on Twitter: @LillyDiabetes and Facebook: LillyDiabetesUS.

About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly is a global health care leader that unites caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at lilly.com and lilly.com/newsroom. P-LLY 

This press release contains forward-looking statements about insulin supply, the Lilly Insulin Value Program, and other insulin and glucagon affordability programs, and reflects Lilly’s current beliefs. There is no guarantee that we will be able to continue uninterrupted insulin supply or that our insulin and/or glucagon affordability programs will significantly lower or cap monthly out-of-pocket costs for people who use these medicines. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see Lilly’s most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release.

When a COSTCO pharmacist lies to a pt… is it unprofessional conduct ?

Not all healthcare professionals and first responders are pulling their weight

About one week ago I posted the above on my blog. If you haven’t read that post maybe you should since I am going to make some references what was stated in that post .. in this post.

The last communication that the pharmacist from Costco said that she had was a denial – after TWO APPROVALS and the PCP’s office had called me saying that it was APPROVED FOR THE THIRD TIME..

But the pharmacist said that she no such communication from them.. last was the denial.

Early this morning, I get a text from Costco that this prescription had been filled and ready to be picked up.

I checked the EPIC pt portal and there was no communication about this Rx to Costco since two weeks ago…  which was an APPROVAL – which the pharmacist denied receiving that day.

SO… was I lied to that day by that pharmacist ? Where all of sudden did they get the approval ? It is still a WEEK EARLY to refill…  I guess that there are distinctly different shades of EARLY ?

Of course now, Indiana is under a shelter in place for another 2 weeks and now there is a NATIONAL QUARANTINE for two weeks, since Trump invoked the Stafford Act.  Barb does not have two weeks worth of medication left  and this Costco is some 30-35 miles from our home and in ANOTHER STATE.

They have now expanded the “high risk” categories for people and between the two of us… we hit ALL BUT ONE… neither one of us is diabetic.

So I just composed a letter to the Senior VP of Pharmacy service for COSTCO  (Victor A. Curtis) … and enclosing our cards – show above…   I still did not refer to this female pharmacist as a “nasty woman” ! I kept the letter to just one page… didn’t want it to turn into a diatribe.

I did not demand that she be fired… I just stated that it would seem that the only part of her education that stuck with her decision making process was limit to “by the numbers”  and that with the pandemic – putting us in uncharted territory and dealing with a pt with subjective diseases.. “by the numbers” just doesn’t work.  As long as she fails to talk to pts – which counseling pts is required by OBRA 90 – probably enacted into law before she was born, but I didn’t reference her failing to counsel, but did mention that she will never develop any clinical skills if she doesn’t change her processes… that she will be one of those pharmacist scratching their heads when they are replaced with AI, IBM’s WATSON, and a robot.

I told him that the only reason I was having that Rx filled at Costco was because of their cash price, hundreds of dollars less than the copay demanded by our Part D, but we survived before we joined Costco and we would do the same going forward without being a member of Costco.

But the local independent that we normally use, will fill it and Humana will cover it and Barb having her necessary medication is more important than the cost.

Could this be the tipping point uncovering how healthcare corporations provide poor treatment of employees & pts ?

Does this “dust up” by practitioners over inadequate PPE and the threat from their corporate employers of being fired – UNLESS THEY SHUT UP … are these same practitioners getting the same treatment and threats on prescribing controlled substances to pts that have a valid medical necessity for these medications.

We are in the middle of a pandemic and these healthcare corporations are threatening to REDUCE the number of practitioners that are available to treat/save pts that get COVID-19, because they have been outspoken about the lack of personal protection equipment and in some instances their very own health and maybe even life itself.

I have been told that all the major pharmacy chains have “social media policy” in their policies and procedures that basically states: 

We have a very serious and growing pharmacist surplus and it is reported that we are graduating 5,000 more new pharmacists each year than are needed for the available slots from older pharmacists retiring and moving on.

There has been a couple of newspaper articles in a couple of the large major cities about how UNHAPPY the employees of these large chain pharmacies – particularly the Rx dept staff – are.  There has been some stories of Rx dept staff that put up some dividers around the Rx dept pharmacy windows, only to have a district manager and/or other “shirts” to come in and take them down.

Could some of these deaths by healthcare providers become the focus of OSHA ( https://www.osha.gov/ ) or could we see a sudden focus of all of these personal injury law firms to start their focus on the policies and procedures of these major healthcare providers and how they are adversely affecting employees and pts health and safety.  How many of these policies and procedures are discriminating against many groups that work or seek healthcare services from these corporations.

Medical Societies Issue Bold Statement of Physician Support

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/928159

At least one physician has been fired for speaking out about the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) in his hospital. Another was informed he couldn’t wear a mask brought from home for fear of scaring the patients. One by one the stories piled up, and as they did, medical societies and organizations have issued statements with unprecedented speed, all in support of healthcare workers.

Finally, the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS) had enough: it posted its own statement on behalf of all of its 45 member organizations, representing 800,000 physicians.

“You wouldn’t send a soldier into battle wearing a bathing suit,” said Laurence Wellikson, MD, the CEO of the CMSS member group Society of Hospital Medicine. “We’re asking for the same thing.”

Pre-COVID-19 efforts at coordinating policy statements typically took a month or two, Wellikson said. Different organizations will debate relative importance of policies and weigh in on wordsmithing. This time was different. “Every organization — especially the ones on the frontlines — was hearing awful things from doctors and we all wanted to fast-track this and get something out there.”

“Within two days we were able to reach complete consensus,” said Helen Burstin, MD, MPH, the CEO of CMSS. “If there was ever a time for our societies to come together with one voice to protect physicians, all healthcare workers, and patients, it’s now.”

The coalition’s five-point statement urges the government to ensure adequate supplies of PPE, supports the recent Joint Commission statement that allows healthcare workers to use their own PPE, reminds institutions of their responsibility to provide protection for their workers, and declares that a nationwide reporting system on PPE is needed.

The statement also informs hospitals, quite pointedly, that employees should not face any form of retribution for voicing concerns about health and safety, even to the media.

CMSS issued the statement, in part, because of “all the press we have seen about the threats and retaliation against clinicians if they reported,” Burstin said. “We wanted to say this publicly so that our members know it’s really critical they have this chance to share what they believe endangers their own safety as well as the safety of their patients.”

That echoes some of the individual organizations, said Robert McLean, MD, president of American College of Physicians (ACP), also a CMSS member.

“Our ethics policy is that physicians need to be able to speak out as part of professional and ethical respect on issues that affect public health and safety,” he said.

US doctors have been ringing the alarm bell to decry that hospitals and their employee-contracting companies don’t seem to embrace those ethics. Ming Lin, MD, one of several who have received media attention recently, spoke up on Facebook about inadequate PPE and crowded waiting rooms at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, Washington. After doing so, he said, he was fired.

Many of the individual organizations have also posted their own statements. (The ACP’s April 1 statement, for example, is similar to that of CMSS). While some organizations will help counsel individual doctors facing retribution from their hospitals, McLean said their primary motivation “is because we realize the importance of raising public awareness and putting pressure on government and regulatory agencies.”

Sheila Eldred is a freelance health journalist in Minneapolis. Find her on Twitter @MilepostMedia.

Do you have information on how your hospital or health network is responding to PPE shortages, gag orders, or other related issues? Have you or someone you know faced disciplinary measures for speaking out or masking themselves? Write to us: news@medscape.net.