Relief from fear on pain medications

A new DEA-signed consensus statement is designed to reassure physicians that it's OK to prescribe needed painkillers.

Editorial. Nov. 19, 2001.

The OxyContin story has been one cast in extremes, the heaven-sent treatment for patients in severe pain versus the deadly drug when diverted to the street.

A balanced view has been needed about OxyContin (oxycodone hydrochloride) and other pain medications. It has come in an unprecedented consensus statement signed last month by the Drug Enforcement Agency and 21 medical and patient advocacy groups, including the AMA.

The statement recognizes the need to promote the legitimate and informed use of painkillers while underscoring the importance of being wary of their potential for diversion and abuse. It is in sync with AMA policy, which states in part, "that physicians who appropriately prescribe and/or administer controlled substances to relieve intractable pain should not be subject to the burdens of excessive regulatory scrutiny, inappropriate disciplinary action, or criminal prosecution."

Yet many physicians have understandably come to feel a wide and intimidating gap between that ideal drawn by the AMA (and now, also, the consensus statement) and their day-to-day concerns over prescribing painkillers.

OxyContin's name is not mentioned specifically in the consensus statement, but controversies surrounding the drug have underscored the fear factor that many physicians feel when it comes to prescribing painkillers. [...]