28 states ask FDA to rethink approval of new painkiller drug Zohydro
A group of state attorneys general expressed concern to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that the narcotic painkiller Zohydro - said to be five to 10 times stronger than drugs like Vicodin - will only contribute to the national epidemic of prescription drug abuse.
Though an FDA advisory panel recommended against approving Zohydro, the agency approved it in October - sparking concern that the potent new prescription painkiller will be too easily abused.
A group of state attorneys general expressed concern to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that the narcotic painkiller Zohydro - said to be five to 10 times stronger than drugs like Vicodin - will only contribute to the national epidemic of prescription drug abuse.
Though an FDA advisory panel recommended against approving Zohydro, the agency approved it in October - sparking concern that the potent new prescription painkiller will be too easily abused.
"More than two dozen state prosecutors are asking the Food and Drug Administration to reconsider its approval of a powerful new painkiller called Zohydro, saying that the narcotic pill could add to the national epidemic of prescription drug abuse.
The FDA approved Zohydro in October, making it the first single-ingredient hydrocodone drug ever cleared for U.S. patients. The pill uses an extended release formulation that is reportedly five to 10 times more potent than currently available hydrocodone combination pills, such as Vicodin. The approval surprised many doctors, since an FDA advisory panel previously voted overwhelmingly against the drug, citing its potential for abuse."
http://www.nydailynews.com/life-sty...ink-approval-new-painkiller-article-1.1545864
