Elite Pharmaceuticals Inc (ELTP)

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Ryan: Make Opioids Harder To Abuse

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/contributors/2015/07/05/opinion-make-pain-pills-harder-abuse/29737341/

Prescription drug abuse in America has been called an epidemic. As a dually trained physician who sees addicted individuals in my chemical dependency practice and in the emergency department, I can attest that this is true. Increasing the use of abuse deterrent formulations (ADF) in prescription pain relievers is one of many approaches that could help address the problem.

It's estimated 100 million Americans suffer significant chronic pain. Millions also suffer severe acute pain from trauma, surgery or other causes. Opioid pain pills can improve the quality of sufferers' lives when properly prescribed, used and monitored. However, when abused, prescription opioids can cause or support serious addiction.

First, the FDA should consider not approving any opioid painkiller – brand name or generic drugs – without an ADF. There's really no deterrent if it's easy to get a different pill that's easily abused. Painkillers with ADF need to be broadly available. There is wide support for this among law enforcement organizations and substance abuse experts.