A new prescription pain killer has a coalition of over 40 individual groups pushing to have the drug revoked.
The drug, called Zohydro, is a hydrocodone-based drug that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration. According to their review of Zohydro, the drug’s effects can last up to 12 hours. The drug cannot be taken by children, as one capsule has the potential to kill a child.
According to CNN, there are many concerns in regards to this new painkiller. Many consumers and health care groups expressed issues with the high potency of the drug and its ability to be addictive and, therefore, abused. These groups are asking that the FDA review its approval of Zohydro and reconsider its dispersal.
Forbes reports that the FDA’s own advisory panel had voted 11 to 2 against approving Zohydro due to its potency and potential for addiction. Forbes also reports that, at this time, about five million Americans rely on their painkillers throughout the day.
Zohydro is expected to be available for prescriptions as soon as March.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
