Marine’s overdose death sparking VA opiate debate. Is it Dose vs Treat?

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 08:41:40 -0400

Simcakoski died at Tomah in August after a toxic reaction to more than 12 medications including opiates. He has become the face of what veteran groups and other advocates say is an epidemic of dangerous opioid prescriptions to VA patients.

“I just saw too much medication. My son had an addiction with pain meds and yet they put my son back on pain meds,” said Marv Simcakoski, his father. “They sent him home with 50 some [pills] and told him to take them regularly.”

Simcakoski served in the Marines from 1998-2002 and suffered a head injury. Anxiety attacks led him to seek care at the Tomah VA, where his family said he struggled for over four years with no improvement despite a long list of medications. An autopsy found the mix of drugs in system resulted in his death while an in-patient at the facility.

http://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/marine-s-overdose-death-sparking-va-opiate-debate-1.354419

Marine’s overdose death sparking VA opiate debate

Nearly a year after his death, Marine Corps veteran Jason Simcakoski was at the center of a debate on Capitol Hill on Wednesday over new regulations for opioid prescriptions at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 25 at 2015 8:43 AM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 08:43:31 -0400

Do they not verify all meds being taken before prescribing another one? A good pharmacist should be doing that!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2015 8:43 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 08:43:53 -0400

This is something that Docs in general need to look at. This happens more often then we want to believe. Such a tragic loss for this Marine!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2015 8:53 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 08:53:54 -0400

What worries me the most is that he was in-patient. Why were they not giving him his dosing? Or was he in a DOM? This is so sad. RIP

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2017 8:43 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Dec 2017 08:43:21 -0500

If anyone is looking for a basic overview of opioids, please take a look at this article that we put out--it also has a solid list of resources at the end as well. http://prismhealthadvocates.com/opioid-epidemic-creation-addiction-treatment-rehabilitation/

The Opioid Epidemic: A Look at Opioid Creation, Addiction, Treatment and Rehabilitation - Prism

Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental deaths in the United States. Synthetic opioids such as Heroine play a major factor in these cases.