Friday, September 13, 2013

FDA Announces New Labeling Rules for Opioids, Including Oxycodon

Week #2, Article #1
Dennis, Brady. (2013, September 10) FDA Announces New Labeling Rules for Opioids, Including Oxycodon. Washington Post.
 LINK:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/fda-announces-new-labeling-rules-for-opioid-painkillers-including-oxycodone/2013/09/10/b722281a-1a30-11e3-a628-7e6dde8f889d_story.html
     1. Category of problem: Health
2. Level of problem: National
3. The article concerns: This article concerns the overuse and/or misuse of OxyContin and other similar narcotics such as opioids. The overexposure to these drugs is leading to many addictions and even deaths throughout our nation.
4. Why is this important to families/individuals OR how does it affect individuals/families?
a. Proper labeling of such an addicting medicine could help save many lives, both physically and emotionally. People can easily raise an addiction to pain pills; such an addiction can alter their personality and the decisions that they make. Another side effect of opioids can result in death. Individuals and families could suffer themselves or from a loved one getting lost or addicted to this drug.
5. What are your views on the issue/policy?
    a.  I think that proper labeling and distribution of such life threatening drugs is necessary. It seems as if drugs such as hydrocodone and oxycontin are handed out like candy these days. It is simple to go to the doctor complaining of neck pain, back pain,or other small injuries; most of the time, the patient will walk out with a perscription for thirty hydrocodone, easy. Distribution of these drugs should be more closely monitored and enforced. If a patient only needs five pills, but is given thirty of these magical candies that make you feel amazing, it is assumed that the rest of the bottle will get taken care of. This is a great example of how addictions start. I have had multiple friends that have gotten addicted to narcotics. It all starts with a sports injury, or car accident and the next thing you know, your friend is addicted. Unfortunately, I have also lost many friends to narcotics. A few of my closest friends have overdosed from such drugs. This is another reason that I strongly support the proper distribution of these drugs. The article states that over sixteen thousand people have died due to overdose from opioids. I feel that, the labels are being printed anyways, why not make a change that can save the lives of many. I'm not saying that simply changing a label will fully prevent this issue, however it is a step in the right direction.

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