I think more regulation and restrictions on who doctors can prescribe it for would make a good start. I've lived with chronic pain for many years. Only terminal cancer patients should receive Ixycontin, and even then it's use should be monitored. Too many people with muscle and skeletal problems are being prescribed this, and many are turning around and selling it for big bucks. Their script more than likely paid by medicaid. C'mon, everyones back hurts! Oxycontin isn't the only problem. Percocet, Darvocet, Tylenol 3, the list goes on. There are safer non-addictive drugs that can be just as effective, such as Tramadol and Naproxin. This would also greatly reduce the seemingly abundant supply that exists on our streets. Doctors need strict prescribing guidelines mandated by the Federal Gov't for narcotic pain meds. I'm all for using any money obtained from a lawsuit for reimbursing people who have had to pay out the nose for rehab because of this drug. Lets get it off the streets, too.
