New Powerful Narcotic Approved By The FDA

Though the FDA has been working on making it more difficult for many to obtain painkillers, a decision made Thursday examines the approval of a new narcotic--hydrocone bitartrate, otherwise known as Vidcodin.

Though the drug is not approved for "as-needed" pain relief, according to officials, many fear that it could increase the risk of prescription drug abuse. Fortunately, the prescription drug holds some features that make it harder to abuse. It is more difficult to crush, break or dissolve, making it difficult to snort or inject by drug abusers.

"While the science of abuse deterrence is still evolving, the development of opioids that are harder to abuse is helpful in addressing the public health crisis of prescription drug abuse in the U.S.," Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a news release.

Estimates from 2002 suggest that over 22 million Americans have misused prescription painkillers of various kinds, according to findings from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health services Administration report. These and other reports make painkiller addiction a growing concern throughout the country.

"Prescription drug abuse continues to be rampant in many areas of the country and is associated with high mortality rate," concluded Dr. Scott Krakower, assistant unit chief in psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, NY, via Health Day. "In addition, there are decreased perceptions of harm to these agents, especially with hydrocodone products.

"As we move forward in research with new drug development for addiction and pain medicine, we should continue to find agents that will both effectively relieve pain and reduce the potential for abuse."