This article discusses the over abuse of the painkiller hydrocodone. The FDA is recommending this widely used drug be rescheduled. It is currently Schedule III and under consideration for a move to schedule II. Schedule II means it has greater potential for abuse and dependence than Schedule III. The fact is that the death rate from overdoses involving hydrocodone have tripled in the last 12 decades. Because it is easier to get, people have found a way to abuse it. Because it is schedule III, there is a widespread mis-perception by physicians that it safer and less dangerous, when it comes to long term abuse, which just isn't true. There are people who do use and need samples for the appropriate reasons, especially those in rural settings. If it is controlled, samples will no longer be available, and cost disadvantages could arise as coverage would change.
This becomes an ethical dilemma of sorts. Can the public be trusted? I know many companies, Shire for example, which makes ADHD medicine has incorporated time- released technology into its medications, so it cannot be abused. I think this is the future for abused medicine, like hydrocodone. The dilemma that arises with this is that it's branded and there is probably something similar that is generic, but will not have that time released technology until it's patent expires in 16 years. The need for affordable medicine and care is at an all-time high, but what about patient safety? I could rant about this, but my opinion is biased for several reasons, so instead I'll just let you think it over...
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