DOES RACE/ETHNICITY AFFECT HOW DOCTORS PRESCRIBE MEDICATION? 

“I have had issues dealing with getting adequate pain medication for pain complaints. Partly as I stated before I cannot take certain pain medications and it can appear suspicious that I am “allergic” to most over the counter pain medications and one that can be given by injection. However I am aware that they are all of the same “class” of drugs. I know that I am not doing “drug-seeking” behavior but it can appear that way due to racial stereotypes.”

“They [health care professionals] believe people of color are drug addicts.”

“Definitely been refused as seen as potential of becoming addicted when there has been no evidence to suggest this.”

“When I had a back injury, I was given as minimal pain medicine as possible.”

”I have NSAID asthma, so certain pain medications such as aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen and toradol can trigger an asthma attack. Many doctors and nurses know about this condition, but sometimes, it can put a person on alert that I am seeking drugs like narcotics. In some cases a doctor will recommend that I take Tylenol (acetaminophen) but depending on the severity of the pain, I would have to insist that I would need a stronger pain medicine or take a weaker pain medicine but also be given prednisone to prevent the asthma attack. Most doctors will relent and give me stronger pain medicine because they do not want to risk causing me to have an asthma attack since my condition is documented in my medical record.”