Pubdate: Sun, 02 Nov 2014
Source: Sacramento Bee (CA)
Copyright: 2014 The Sacramento Bee
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/0n4cG7L1
Website: http://www.sacbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/376
Author: Robin Mitchell
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n839/a06.html

DRUG POLICIES ARE SKEWED

Re "Stop insanity of pain meds" (Letters, Oct. 27): As a nurse, I 
have not seen a more nonsensical rule than the one that recently took 
effect regarding hydrocodone-combination products. The 
pseudoephedrine rule of 2006 comes close, though.

Once again, the needs of the very few hold more weight than the needs 
of the many and logic is turned on its head.

Not immediately, but soon we will witness a rise in heroin use, as it 
will be easier to acquire than legal Norco and patients in pain will 
do that which is easiest.

It is too bad that so much power rests in a small entity created by 
President Richard M. Nixon. It is more profitable for a few, but not 
for the many.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement 
Administration should have better things to do than examine the urine 
of a 75-year-old, or pretend to hold a medical license with the power 
to treat and prescribe. Big Brother, thanks for micromanaging pain 
and suffering. Bye to privacy and respect.

Robin Mitchell, Carmichael
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom