Markey Calls for Investigation into Purdue

United States Senator Edward J. Markey has called for a federal investigation of OxyContin's manufacturers in response to a Los Angeles Times report. The report found that the drug tends to wear off early in many patients, which can expose them to an increased risk of addiction. According to the LA Times, OxyContin's main selling point is that it lasts for twelve hours. The investigation found that "when the effects don't last, patients can suffer symptoms of a narcotic withdrawal, including intense craving for the drug, and experience a cycle of agony and relief that experts say promotes addiction." The report states that "Purdue has known about the problems for decades. Even before OxyContin went on the market, clinical trials showed many patients weren't getting 12 hours of relief. Since the drug's debut in 1996, the company has been confronted with additional evidence, including complaints from doctors, reports from its own sales reps and independent research." Allegations included in the report include the idea that Purdue has held fast to the claim of twelve-hour relief to protect its revenue. They allege that OxyContin's market dominance and high price rely on the twelve-hour duration and without such a claim, the drug offers little advantage over less expensive painkillers. The report also alleged that Purdue told doctors to prescribe stronger doses, not more frequent ones, if patients complain that OxyContin doesn't last twelve hours. In two letters, Senator ...
Source: Policy and Medicine - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs