America, as a whole, has seen an increase in not only the number of patients using prescribed painkillers, but in the number of painkillers currently manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. With every new drug that comes out, experts grow increasing concerned about possible drug injuries that may result from their use. Ohio residents, who have suffered injuries related to prescription use, retain the right to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for the damages done.
A new painkiller to hit the market, called Zohydro, has been manufactured to produce a slow-release of the already popular pain medication, hydrocodone. This slow-release design is intended to extend the effects of the medication, providing longer periods of relief. While this sounds like an amazing development — one that would be beneficial to pain sufferers — experts are extremely concerned about the addictive properties of this drug.
The problem, according to addiction experts, is that this drug is 100 percent an opioid, which means it only contains hydrocodone and no abuse deterrents. Daily use of opioids will build up a tolerance to the medication, often causing users to feel the need to use more than their prescribed dosage. For many, this drug is considered very high risk for overdose issues, which could lead to irreversible damages, including death.
Pharmaceutical companies are responsible for providing products which are safe for consumers. Ohio residents, who have suffered prescription drug injuries, may be entitled to file civil claims against their physician and/or the drug manufacturer. A monetary judgement could be awarded, or a financial settlement given, to provide for the injuries suffered, dependent upon the individual circumstances of the case.
Source: Fox News, “Zohydro: Why this new painkiller could spark another addiction epidemic”, Loren Grush, April 28, 2014
