OxyContin already under fire for being overprescribed in adults
Doctors are worried about the recent approval of OxyContin for use in children as young as age 11.
The drug, which is a powerful painkiller, has been linked to the rise in heroin addiction and drug overdose deaths. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its use in children in August.
Although OxyContin was prescribed to children and adolescents prior to its approval in a practice known as “off-label use,” it is likely to be prescribed much more widely now that it is officially approved, doctors say. [5 Surprising Facts About Pain]
Treating chronic pain, especially in children, can be incredibly challenging for doctors. There’s no single, effective approach that makes pain go away for everyone, and for some patients, none of the existing drugs seem to work completely. In addition, some drugs commonly prescribed for people with chronic pain have the potential for addiction.
But even doctors with limited options for treating pain aren’t happy with the decision.
“There really aren’t many people that are applauding this decision,” said Dr. Andrew Kolodny, a psychiatrist in New York City and the director of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing.
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Given responsibly, in appropriate situations, is less of a risk than an adult being prescribed pain pills. The child doesn't have the ability to seek more prescriptions. And kept safely locked away, the child can't decide to take additional pills for "recreation". If pain pills are legitimately prescribed for an acute condition, the child will be focused on the relief from pain, not so much on any "enjoyable" aspects.
ReplyDeleteThe few times I've ever been prescribed pain medicine, I certainly don't recall any happy special feeling, associated with the pills. Just relief that the pain was dulled enough that I could sleep.
It is the parent's responsibility to see that the dosing is done at the right times and right dose, and then keeping the potentially dangerous drug away from the kids. This goes double for kids in their teens.
ReplyDeletePain pills do nothing but take the edge off. Total bs. Agenda being pushed. Stop being sheep.
ReplyDeletePopulation control., addict 'em young and the chances are they won't live to procreate.
ReplyDelete