FDA Finally Pulls Deadly Drug
By
Natalie Moore
Posted June 13, 2017
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
For years, we’ve been told that the best way to fight severe pain is with opioid painkillers.
But as we’ve seen in recent years, that’s simply not true — opioids can lead to addiction and serious health problems.
And after years of these deadly drugs causing overdoses, it looks like the FDA has finally taken notice…
Because just last week, they took the first step in removing one of these dangerous drugs from the market.
Opana is the potent painkiller I’m talking about.
It’s among the most abused drugs on the market today and has led to thousands of overdoses and serious health problems.
One reason for this is that it can pack a super-punch. And the other — many doctors hand out Opana prescriptions like candy.
But the real trouble is that the FDA didn’t do the legwork to discover Opana’s dangers before they approved it back in 2006.
If they had, Opana could’ve been rejected from the start, and the deaths and suffering of countless users could’ve been totally avoided.
Instead, they’re now scrambling to clean up their mess.
Last week, the FDA released a statement saying, “After careful consideration, the agency is seeking removal based on its concern that the benefits of [Opana] may no longer outweigh its risks.”
Opana abuse has fueled all sorts of public health crises from HIV and hepatitis C outbreaks to totally draining the budgets of health care centers for the last decade.
And the FDA just noticed? I think not.
Despite their clear disregard for public health over the last 10 years, the FDA finally asked Endo, the pharmaceutical company that makes Opana, to voluntarily remove it from the market. If Endo refuses, the FDA states they will “take steps to formally require its removal by withdrawing approval.”
While there’s no way of knowing if the FDA will follow through on this threat, one thing is for sure…
If you’re taking Opana or other opioid painkillers, now is the time to talk to your doctor about trying a new way to manage your pain. It might just save your life.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Sources
[1] FDA Wants Opana ER Off the Market
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
Is Your Diet ACTUALLY Healthy? Here’s How to Tell
I’ve probably uttered the phrase “healthy diet” when talking to patients, family, and friends more times than I’ve had cups of coffee—and that’s saying something! But I’ll admit it’s not always entirely clear what a healthy diet looks like. What does healthy eating really mean? Let’s take a look… Good news—healthy eating doesn’t mean you...
7 Natural Ways to Tackle Pain Without Pills
On Tuesday, we explored a promising new frontier in pain relief: terpenes, natural compounds found in cannabis (and other plants) that may ease pain without the risks of opioids. That research is still developing. But what if you’re looking for help right now? Good news: You don’t have to wait for a pharmaceutical breakthrough to...
Mailbag: Pinched to Pain Free with Natural Sciatica Solutions
“I have been suffering from sciatic pain in my hip and groin. I try to do exercises to stretch it. But ever since I slipped on the ice and fell on my left hip it seems to be getting worse. Is there any help for this?” -Painfully Pinched Dear Pinched, I understand how frustrating sciatic...
New Cannabis Discovery Could Ease Pain—Without the High
A few years ago, everywhere you turned, someone was talking about CBD. The cannabis extract had exploded in popularity for everything from anxiety to inflammation to joint pain. And while the CBD conversation continues, another cannabis compound is quietly making headlines. One that could—believe it or not—provide relief from all kinds of pain. Without the...
"Sinful Trio" SLASHES Metabolic Syndrome Risk
Are you tired of hearing your doctor’s endless “don’t eat this, don’t drink that” lectures? Well, this Easter Sunday, I’ve got news that might just have you hopping happily to your pantry. Turns out, some of life’s tastiest pleasures could help protect you from one of today’s most common health threats—metabolic syndrome. Let’s dig into...
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....