Medication Safety at Fishtown Medicine
Some medications carry higher risks and are tightly regulated — including sedatives, stimulants, and medications with potential for misuse or harm.
At Fishtown Medicine, we take medication safety seriously and follow strict standards to ensure your care stays safe, clear, and aligned with your goals.
We do not prescribe narcotics
We do not prescribe narcotic pain medications, including:
Opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, tramadol, or fentanyl
High-risk combinations involving multiple controlled substances
If you require these medications, we recommend working with a pain management or addiction specialist. We’re happy to coordinate care once that relationship is in place.
Why this matters
Controlled substances can be helpful, but they also carry risks: tolerance, dependence, overdose, and dangerous interactions.
Even non-narcotic controlled medications (like stimulants or benzodiazepines) are prescribed cautiously, reviewed regularly, and used only when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
What you agree to:
Share all medications, supplements, and substances you're using
Use one pharmacy for controlled prescriptions
Store medications safely and never share them
Avoid alcohol or unapproved substances while on controlled medications
Complete labs, pill counts, or drug screens when requested
Carry naloxone (Narcan) if you’re prescribed an opioid
Seek emergency help if you or someone nearby shows signs of overdose or distress
What we commit to:
Explain the purpose, risks, and alternatives before prescribing
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate time
Monitor your response and adjust when needed
Review the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) regularly
Coordinate care with your other providers and pharmacy
Taper or discontinue medication if risks outweigh benefits
Refills and follow-up
Refills for controlled substances are not automatic. They require:
Follow-up visits
Relevant labs or drug screening
No red flags on the PDMP or screening tests
Continued agreement on safety and benefit
When a medication may be stopped
We may reduce or stop a controlled medication if:
You request a taper
It’s no longer helping or safe
There are concerning results on labs or screening
You appear impaired or unsafe
You do not respect the care agreement
If you’re unsure whether a medication is part of this policy, or want to better understand the risks and alternatives, let us know. We’re here to have that conversation — without pressure, judgment, or shortcuts.