‘YOU WANT A DESCRIPTION OF HELL?’ OXYCONTIN’S 12-HOUR PROBLEM

[spinbaby]

http://static.latimes.com/oxycontin-part1/

The drugmaker Purdue Pharma launched OxyContin two decades ago with a bold marketing claim: One dose relieves pain for 12 hours, more than twice as long as generic medications.

Patients would no longer have to wake up in the middle of the night to take their pills, Purdue told doctors. One OxyContin tablet in the morning and one before bed would provide “smooth and sustained pain control all day and all night.

On the strength of that promise, OxyContin became America’s bestselling painkiller, and Purdue reaped $31 billion in revenue.

But OxyContin’s stunning success masked a fundamental problem: The drug wears off hours early in many people, a Los Angeles Times investigation found. OxyContin is a chemical cousin of heroin, and when it doesn’t last, patients can experience excruciating symptoms of withdrawal, including an intense craving for the drug.

The problem offers new insight into why so many people have become addicted to OxyContin, one of the most abused pharmaceuticals in U.S. history.

[Jackie Wilson Said]

1. And now we are going to overreact again, this time by limiting which doctors can

even prescribe pain meds, according to something I saw the other day.

This is only a problem because white, middle class and white professionals are becoming addicted.

I mean it is a problem period, but it is THE problem of the day because of this.

People in pain need any and all options available to them, DAMMIT.

Want to help? Open up 10,000 new rehab clinics across the country (while you are at it, at each of these should also be women's reproductive healthcare services) and offer services cost free paid for by taxes of corporations that sell the shit.

[yeoman6987]

2. The problem of usage by too many

is why the government must step in and stop doctors from giving it out like candy. My nephew broke his arm in three places. Yes it hurts but the doctor gave him a two week supply. Why? He was fine after 3 days. Dumped them after that. What an unnecessary waste of pills and of course money so the doctor could get another car? You know that's true.

[Jackie Wilson Said]

3. Wow, what a way to simplify this very complex problem. So lets just cut people off

from all pain meds other than while in the hospital?

[yeoman6987]

4. No. Just give the amount needed.

Don't give extra pills that make companies and doctors rich.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

8. Broken arm in 3 places and feeling fine after 3 days? Wow. Good for him.

You do understand, though, that not everyone experiences such miraculous recovery.

[moriah]

9. And that WILL differ with every patient, and every injury/surgery

I had a hole drilled in my fibula as part of a ligament repair.

It wasn't until the staples were actually out that I had much real comfort, but deep bone pain hurts. Why deny people who are clearly suffering?

In addition, Oxycontin isn't given unless a person has a chronic pain problem. Short-term pain relief is usually through the many generics available for Lortab or Percocet. So it's doubtful anyone got rich from writing two weeks of medication for a serious break.

[n2doc]

5. The stupid thing is, the older pain drugs worked better

Back when I needed my wisdom teeth surgically removed, I was given a prescription for Demerol. Worked like a charm, no severe withdrawal symptoms. I know each person is different, but this all feels like big pharma pushing oxy as a profit center, not as the best pain medication. There should be more variety allowed.

Of course, having medical MJ allowed everywhere and easily obtainable would help even more.

[Doctor_J]

6. Legalize pot. Problem solved.

Too bad the PHARMA lobby owns most of the congress and white house

[Iwillnevergiveup]

7. Very happy to see this posted

I read the whole article early this morning and would certainly have done so.

K&R