FDA Panel Votes Against Pure Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is one of the most widely abused painkillers on the market. It is prescribed to patients with moderate to severe chronic pain. In addition to its pain-killing properties, it also gives users feelings of euphoria. Hydrocodone is an opioid derived from the poppy plant, and is sold by prescription as OxyContin, Vicodin, and other brand names. Prescription painkillers can be extremely habit-forming, and millions of people have painkiller addictions to drugs such as OxyContin. Although hydrocodone can be effective in treating patients who have undergone surgery or suffer from some other physical trauma, many people develop drug addictions to these potent painkillers and abuse them on a regular basis.

In December of 2012, an FDA panel of government health experts voted against the approval of a stronger version of hydrocodone. They determined that even though the more potent form of the painkiller could effectively reduce pain in patients that were prescribed the drug, it could also worsen the nationwide epidemic of painkiller addiction. It is estimated that roughly 10% of the US population is addicted to painkillers such as hydrocodone. In 2008, more than 15,000 Americans died from opioid overdose. Drug addicts that use painkillers often mix them with alcohol or other drugs as well, which can be a deadly combination of substances.

The FDA panel voted almost unanimously against Zohydro, the newer and stronger form of hydrocodone manufactured by Zogenix, Inc. Drug addiction and drug abuse were among the main reasons in the decision against the painkiller, based on studies and research conducted by medical professionals. It is estimated that 25% of individuals that are placed on opioid medication will eventually develop an addiction. Even when patients are prescribed painkillers such as Vicodin, Codeine or OxyContin legally, they can easily become addicted to the painkillers. Once their prescription runs out, they may be forced to buy the drugs illicitly in order to support their habit.

Prescription painkiller addiction has been referred to as a national epidemic, and it often stems from legal use with a prescription from a doctor. When drug users cannot get a proper prescription, they will buy drugs illegally on the street, forge prescriptions or even resort to theft in order to procure the drugs. Prescription painkiller abuse often leads to heroin addiction, since it can be easier to buy heroin illegally than obtain a prescription and buy painkillers legally through a doctor.

The science of prescription medications is always advancing, and new drugs are constantly flooding the market. It is important to have panels of health experts vote on the validity of such drugs in order to protect the overall well-being of the general population. OxyContin is basically synthetic heroin, and to develop a drug even more potent could be dangerous. Medical companies are already working on creating a timed released form of hydrocodone in order to curb the rampant abuse of the drug. Currently, drug addicts can simply crush up pills and snort, smoke or inject them in order to get a big high all at once. With a time-release mechanism, this could be prevented and keep the drugs as their intended use of medication for pain.

Drug treatment and drug rehab are very effective for individuals that suffer from addiction, and going to a treatment center can sometimes make the difference between life and death for some addicts. Recovery and sober living are attainable for anyone out there with real intentions to turn their lives around and get clean. Painkiller addiction affects millions of lives, and with drug treatment there is a way to get past it and lead a healthy life.