Deaths from painkillers are on the rise in Florida

Officials say tracking prescriptions for drugs such as OxyContin may lead to fewer overdoses.

By Andis Robeznieks, AMNews staff. Jan. 21, 2002.

According to a Florida Medical Examiners Commission report, illegal use of prescription painkillers oxycodone and hydrocodone is causing more deaths than heroin or cocaine.

"While the abuse of cocaine and heroin continue to be a threat, the rising abuse of pharmaceutical drugs such as oxycodone and hydrocodone should be monitored closely and investigated by the law enforcement community," stated Commissioner Tim Moore in a Florida Dept. of Law Enforcement press release.

This latest report is sure to fan the flame of controversy that has surrounded OxyContin (oxycodone hydrochloride) for several months. The number of overdoses and the amount of criminal activity associated with the drug, which has a significant street value, has led some to call for monitoring of prescriptions of the drug. Indeed, Jim McDonough, the director of Florida's state office of drug control, is now said to be pushing such a bill in the state Legislature.

Lisette Mariner, spokeswoman for the Florida Medical Assn., said her organization was wary of such legislation and is looking for other solutions.

"We're working with the state and other interested parties to ensure the problem is adequately addressed," she said. "At the same time, we want to make sure our physicians' ability to treat patients is not unduly hampered by any new rules and regulations." [...]