Stronger Warnings

In an effort to curb improper use of the powerful painkiller OxyContin, the FDA is urging doctors to restrict prescriptions to only those patients in severe pain. In addition to restricted use, the drug's label will bear the strongest FDA warning - a black box that indicates its addictive properties. Approximately 800,000 doctors have been notified about the new warnings and the FDA has created a web site.
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Stronger Warnings

OxyContin has become the drug of choice in many of the eastern states. Areas with the highest concentration of OxyContin abusers are: West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Maine, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. It is especially popular in the Appalachia region of the U.S., where it has been referred to as "hillbilly heroin."
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Aggressive Marketing

There is concern that increased abuse of OxyContin can be attributed to the manufacturer's aggressive promotion of the drug. Purdue Pharma recruited doctors to prescribe the drug and to speak to other physicians about its uses. They also contributed to pharmacy schools, consumer education Internet sites, and foundations involved in pain research. Critics believe Purdue Pharma did not adequately warn doctors and patients about the highly addictive properties of the drug.
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