Pubdate: Sun, 24 Aug 2003
Source: Lexington Herald-Leader (KY)
Copyright: 2003 Lexington Herald-Leader
Contact:  http://www.kentucky.com/mld/heraldleader/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/240
Author: Carrie P. Cox
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/oxycontin.htm (Oxycontin/Oxycodone)

DON'T MAKE DOCTORS RELUCTANCT TO PRESCRIBE OXYCONTIN

Certainly the media sensationalism over OxyContin sales will have the class
action lawyers licking their chops over profits to be made by getting people to
sue Purdue Pharma and other drug manufacturers.

The result will be doctors reluctant or unable to get the best medications to
people who are miserable with pain. Yes, more painkillers are prescribed in
Appalachia. More people there are sick, maimed and hurting.

Who benefits if drugs like OxyContin get snuffed out or if the companies are
prevented from communicating with doctors? Some unfortunate people will always
go against doctors orders and take more of their medication than prescribed.
Whose fault is an overdose? What about personal responsibility?

Irresponsible people should not prevent responsible people in pain from getting
the best help available. Doctors should have the discretion to prescribe the
best medication to hurting people without fear of lawsuit or worse. Bankrupting
drug manufacturers will help no one either.

Please read between the lines of this so-called blockbuster story.

Carrie P. Cox

Lexington
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MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk