On Tuesday, the FDA announced a new pharmaceutical labeling requirement warning of the dangers of instant release prescription opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. Dangers such as the risks of addiction, overdose, and death. According to news reports, last year there were 112 overdose deaths, 95 of those in connection with oxycodone, and 17 related to the use of hydrocodone.

FDA commissioner, Dr. Robert Califf, revealed in a statement that over the past 10 years, opioid addiction and overdose have reached epidemic proportions. The agency is committed to doing its part to help reverse the devastating impact of the abuse and misuse of opioids, which are prescription painkillers.

Experts and politicians across the U.S. have spoken out regarding the dangers connected with prescription opioids. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, prescription painkillers such as oxycodone and other opioids are responsible for four of five people who transform into heroin users. The problem with opioid drugs is that not only do they provide relief from pain, they also provide many users with a euphoric “high” and feeling of well-being that can become addictive.

The abuse of and addiction to opioid drugs has become highly apparent in recent years, and clear labeling warning of the risks and/or dangers associated with the use of any prescription drug is essential.

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