Pubdate: Wed, 06 Jun 2001
Source: Connecticut Post (CT)
Copyright: 2001sMediaNews Group, Inc
Contact:  http://www.ctpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/574

SENSIBLE RESPONSE

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Purdue Pharma of Stamford should be commended 
for its efforts to prevent young people from abusing one of its most 
powerful painkillers, OxyContin.

State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, officials of other states and 
the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency have all voiced concerns about abuse of 
the drug and have asked Purdue Pharma to take action, although the company 
says government pressure played no part in its decision to take extra 
precautions.

Whatever spurred its actions, Purdue Pharma did the right thing in 
suspending shipments of its largest dose of the drug, the 160-milligram 
tablets. That concentration would be most dangerous if abused.

Used properly, OxyContin is released slowly into a person's system and is 
of enormous benefit to people in severe or persistent pain.

However, abusers grind the tablets into powder and snort or inject it to 
create a sense of euphoria. Releasing a large dose into one's system in a 
short time can be very dangerous.

In fact, about 120 overdose deaths nationwide have been linked to 
oxycodone, OxyContin's generic name.

The state of Florida views this danger so seriously that it often prefers 
manslaughter charges against those allegedly responsible for oxycodone 
overdose deaths. For instance, such charges have been leveled against a 
doctor in the deaths of four patients he treated with the drug and against 
those who allegedly supplied oxycodone illicitly to young people who've died.

Perhaps the state of Connecticut should consider a similar response.

In addition to suspending shipments of its highest dosage of OxyContin, 
Purdue has taken steps to acquaint people with the generic name of the drug 
and with the risks of abusing it.

It seems to us that the company has been both reasonable and cooperative in 
addressing this problem. The rest of the job must now be done by law 
enforcers and by the public itself.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens