FDA Eases the Pain

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved yet another prescription pain medication for Americans to use and probably abuse. Tapentadol hydrochloride, for the relief of moderate to severe acute pain, got the FDA's thumbs-up on November. 24.

Noting that Tapentadol contains opioid (narcotic) ingredients, FDA warns that its misuse can cause dependence, abuse, and addiction. "All patients treated with opioids require careful monitoring by their health care professional for signs of abuse and addiction, and to determine when opioid analgesics are no longer needed," states the FDA press release.

From the menu of Tapentadol’s known side effects, swallowers can choose from nausea, dizziness, vomiting, sleepiness, and headaches.

In 2002, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that non-medical use of prescription drugs ranked as the nation’s second most popular category of drug abuse.

Tapentadol will be rolled and sold by Johnson & Johnson and available soon by prescription only from a doctor near you.

Also See:
Abuse of Painkillers Increases in Rural U.S.
Almost Half of Americans Take At Least One Prescription Drug
22 Million Americans are Drug-Alcohol Dependent