WASHINGTON (AP) -- Food and Drug Administration officials say
drug company plans to prevent the misuse of prescription
painkillers need more specifics.
Earlier this year, the FDA ordered 16 companies to design risk
management plans for two dozen drugs, including morphine, oxycodone
and methadone. The drugs are often abused because of their euphoric
effects.
Other problems include physicians prescribing the potent drugs
to treat migraine headaches, which is no an approved use, and
patients chewing extended release pills that are designed to be
swallowed. That can cause an overdose.
Pharmaceutical executives today laid out their plans to prevent
such misuse at a meeting with the agency. Proposals included using
patient medication guides, letters to doctors and additional
physician training to curb inappropriate use.
FDA officials say that's not enough and more work is needed
before measures are put in place.