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State of Florida cracks down on drug misuse

The state of Florida’s new prescription drug law is actively in place to remove certain prescription drugs quickly and safely. After a 2-year-old girl in Hernando County died of an accidental overdose in January, there are rising concerns when it comes to drug safety and misuse.

University of Florida’s pharmacy Professor Paul Doering says a good medicine in the wrong hands can lead to terrible consequences. He adds powerful drugs such as Oxycodone are like a double-edged sword and could cause serious and potentially fatal injuries.

The Florida Deaprtment of Health has been actively notifying physicians no longer authorized to dispense selected controlled substances to dispose of their inventories since the new bill was signed into a law. The law also increases penalties for overprescribing Oxycodone and similar drugs.

Michelle is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.