ADVERTISEMENT
Professionals urge FDA to halt launch of new pain drug
A new opioid drug that is set to hit the market in early March, Zohydro, is not being easily welcomed by those in the field. Addiction experts, physicians and other professionals are urging FDA officials to stop the release of this drug.
The new painkiller, manufactured by Zogenix, Inc., has ten times the amount of narcotic hydrocodone as other painkillers such as Vicodin, according to the advocates. These professionals are worried that someone who is new to taking this type of medication could suffer from a fatal overdose by taking just two capsules and a child could be killed by swallowing just one. Addiction professionals are also worried about expanding the already large prescription drug abuse epidemic.
Although the FDA is hearing the concerns, its officials believe that Zohydro's benefits outweigh the risks, according to the article.
According to Yahoo News,
The petition was signed by 42 supporters, including representatives of advocacy groups such as Public Citizen as well as physicians and community addiction treatment providers.
FDA spokeswoman Morgan Liscinsky said the agency would review the group's letter.
