Misuse of Medication

IF THE FACILITY IS CONCERNED ABOUT

Facility staff may have concerns about the potential misuse of bleeding disorder medications or supplies, particularly in behavioral health settings. It’s important to clarify that clotting factor products are not psychoactive substances, and while they may relieve pain caused by internal bleeding, they are not painkillers and are not known to be drugs of abuse.

When a person with a bleeding disorder is approved to self-infuse or self-inject their medication, the facility should provide staff oversight during administration. This helps ensure that:

  • The medication is administered according to the bleeding disorder treatment team’s instructions, and

  • Supplies are used appropriately and not diverted for any other purpose.

With proper supervision, self-administration can be safely and effectively incorporated into the treatment plan, supporting both medical stability and behavioral health goals.

  • Reassuring Facilities About Misuse Concerns

    • "I understand your team may have concerns about the potential misuse of bleeding disorder medications or supplies—especially in a behavioral health setting. That’s a completely reasonable concern, and I’d like to help clarify a few things.”

    • "Clotting factor products are not psychoactive and are not considered drugs of abuse. They may relieve pain caused by internal bleeding, but they are not painkillers and do not produce any euphoric or mind-altering effects.”

    • "There is no known pattern of abuse of bleeding disorder medications. These products have no street value, and there is very little risk of addiction or diversion.”

    • "If the patient is self-administering, the medication would be infused under staff supervision. That means your team can oversee:

      • That it’s administered exactly as prescribed, and

      • That the supplies are used only for their intended purpose.”

    • "This model has worked successfully in other behavioral health facilities. We’re happy to support your staff and share best practices for supervised administration.”

    • "If helpful, I can also send you the package insert for the specific product being used. It includes detailed information about how the medication works, storage requirements, and administration guidelines.”

  • Send a link to the package insert for any prescribed bleeding disorder medication. The package insert provides detailed, manufacturer-approved information on:

    • How the medication works

    • Administration guidelines

    • Storage requirements

    • Safety and handling information

    Sharing the package insert can help reassure facility staff, support proper oversight, and address concerns about medication use or misuse.