opioids

FDA wants to yank an opioid painkiller over concerns about abuse

By Ed Silverman, STAT

The Food and Drug Administration has asked Endo Pharmaceuticals to withdraw its Opana ER painkiller over concerns that the drug is too easily abused, the first time the agency has made such a move.

How Virginia dramatically expanded treatment options for addiction (and skirted federal law)

By Andrew Joseph, STAT

A new type of “waiver” from federal rules has dramatically expanded options for Medicaid beneficiaries, and could help other states serve those in need.

Nurse licensing laws block treatment for opioid addiction

By Christine Vestal, Stateline

Congress has paved the way to letting nurse practitioners and physician assistants prescribe anti-addiction medication. But laws in many states stand in the way.

FDA: Codeine cough syrup should not be given to kids

By Kate Sheridan, STAT

The FDA issued its strongest level of drug warnings Thursday concerning opioid pain-reliever use in children.

McCaskill launches investigation of opioid drugmakers

By Kevin Freking, Associated Press

Sen. Claire McCaskill said prescription opioid sales have quadrupled since 1999, taking a financial toll on the government and a deadly toll on consumers.

Why a baby’s first touch may set their sense of the world

By Nsikan Akpan

Early medical procedures can dampen a child’s ability to perceive touch in the long run.

How will the Trump administration change the war on opioids?

By Laura Santhanam

With an historic rise in fatal drug overdoses nationwide and a new president in the White House, the future is uncertain for programs trying to combat a growing public health crisis: opioid addiction.

Another West Virginia town sues drug wholesalers

By Jessica Yarvin and Associated Press

A southern West Virginia town in the state’s poorest county has joined other communities in seeking to recoup the costs of dealing with opioid abuse.

Opioids as a first response to pain? Hospitals are rethinking that policy

By Max Blau, STAT

With heroin deaths now surpassing gun homicides, hospitals have been retraining staff to minimize prescriptions of narcotic painkillers.

A ‘civil war’ over painkillers rips apart the medical community

By Bob Tedeschi, STAT

As doctors and regulators restrict access to opioid treatments, many patients who genuinely need drugs to manage their pain say they are being left behind.