Pubdate: Fri, 01 Mar 2002
Source: Fresno Bee, The (CA)
Copyright: 2002 The Fresno Bee
Contact:  http://www.fresnobee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/161
Author: William R. Work, M.D.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?186 (Oxycontin)

WRONG MESSAGE

I am writing in response to the article Feb. 20, "OxyContin prescriber 
convicted." As a physician in Fresno who treats chronic pain with 
long-acting narcotics, including OxyContin, I am dismayed at the tone of 
the article and the possible message that could be sent to other 
physicians, i.e., don't treat people with pain, otherwise, you may end up 
in jail.

Already I have been asked numerous times by patients and others alike if 
OxyContin is a horrible drug. It is an excellent drug for chronic, 
malignant and non-malignant pain and is easy to prescribe and use.

One important fact that was stated in the article but glossed over was that 
those who died from the OxyContin all had abused it and had not taken it 
the way that it was prescribed. As the defense attorney said, "OxyContin is 
a good drug if it is taken properly."

Put this all into the proper perspective: People with chronic pain that is 
not being treated deserve pain relief with the appropriate medications, 
including OxyContin. To be refused that dignity and being told to "live 
with your pain" is to be treated as something less than human.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager