Pubdate: Mon, 13 Aug 2001
Source: American Medical News (US)
Copyright: 2001, American Medical Association
Contact: http://www.ama-assn.org/public/journals/amnews/edlet.htm
Website: http://www.amednews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1235
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?186 (Oxycontin)

VERMONT LIMITS OXYCONTIN ACCESS FDA STRENGTHENS LABEL

Vermont won't pay for OxyContin prescriptions for patients who 
receive certain state welfare benefits.

Gov. Howard Dean, MD, in July said the state made the decision based 
on the painkiller's link to addiction and crime. In response to 
reports of the misuse of OxyContin, the Food and Drug Administration 
in July strengthened the warning and precautions section of the 
drug's label.

It will include a "black box warning" -- the strongest for an 
FDA-approved drug. The agency hopes to lessen the chance that 
OxyContin will be prescribed inappropriately. Purdue Pharma LP, the 
drug's manufacturer, said the change was made voluntarily with the 
FDA in an effort to reduce abuse and diversion of prescription pain 
medication.
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