Pubdate: Tue, 21 Jun 2005
Source: Boston Globe (MA)
Copyright: 2005 Globe Newspaper Company
Contact:  http://www.boston.com/globe/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/52
Author: Richard M.  Arnold
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?232 (Chronic Pain)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/oxycontin.htm (Oxycontin/Oxycodone)

WRONG POLICY ON OXYCONTIN

As a pharmacist for 37 years, I took great exception to US Representative 
Stephen Lynch's letter regarding OxyContin (June 16). Having been robbed 
three times and hospitalized once after an attack, I, too, am keenly aware 
of the drug  abuse problem in America, but Lynch should understand the 
obligation of physicians and pharmacists to patients.

If Lynch feels that the indication of back pain or pain after a dental 
procedure does not warrant the use of OxyContin, where did he get that 
information? What would "Dr. Lynch" prescribe instead? A cox-2 
inhibitor?  Sorry, off the market. How about an NSAID like Motrin? Nope, 
contraindicated  because they inhibit clotting. How about morphine sulfate? 
Too addicting. How  about methadone or any other class 2 or class 3 
analgesic? How about Darvon or acetaminophen with codeine? They are 
ineffective and, when prescribed for Medicare/Medicaid patients, a waste of 
money.

OxyContin, when used appropriately, can provide relief with measurable 
results. Why does Lynch want to make pain more difficult to manage? He 
should leave doctoring to physicians and pharmaceuticals to pharmacists.

RICHARD M. ARNOLD

Burlington
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