AMA supports FDA’s changes to prescription opioids labels

Statement attributable to:
Barbara L. McAneny, M.D.
President, American Medical Association

“With overdoses and deaths continuing to plague communities across the country, the AMA welcomes the FDA’s decision to include tapering guidance on the labels of prescription opioids. This patient-centric approach will encourage discussions between patients and physicians on whether a decrease in dose or discontinuation of the opioid is the best approach. If so, the patient and physicians should discuss how to safely decrease dosages. The FDA notes that there is no standard tapering schedule suitable for all patients. The right approach depends on conversations between patients and physicians, including a decision to maintain the patient on a current dose if the benefits outweigh the risks.