Lives in the Balance

The FDA recently approved a new opioid pain medication called Zohydro ER, which is intended for patients dealing with chronic pain.  It is the first prescription narcotic that provides a pure dose of hydrocodone.  Already there is controversy surrounding this new medication, given its potential for abuse. For an article from Forbes.com about this topic, click here.  Below are 2 quotes from the article that highlight some of the major issues fueling the controversy.

Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who is fighting the FDA’s approval of this new drug, states:

“The prescription drug epidemic has already damaged and destroyed the lives of far too many individuals and families, and hydrocodone is one of the most abused substances out there. The last thing we need is a drug on the market with 10 times the hydrocodone of Vicodin and Lortab, with the capability of killing an individual in just two tablets.”

Dr. Ethan Weiner shares an opposing opinion, saying:

“Although these drugs have significant abuse potential, that does not negate the fact that there are significant numbers of people suffering chronic pain who cannot live a functional – or even a remotely tolerable – life without them.