FDA May Ban Common Fibromyalgia Painkillers

BREAKING NEWS: A federal advisory panel has recommended that the FDA ban Vicodin and Percocet -- two painkillers used widely by people with fibromyalgia and a multitude of other chronic pain conditions -- as well as several other similar drugs. The FDA doesn't have to follow the panel's advice, but it usually does.

This time, it's not the narcotic (opiate) aspects of the drugs they're worried about -- it's the acetaminophen, the same drug that's in Tylenol.

As I wrote about recently, acetaminophen overdose is extremely common and is a major cause of liver toxicity, mainly because people think it's a safe medication to take. In the case of Vicodin and Percocet, people who take them for chronic pain very often build up a tolerance and need higher and higher doses for the same effect.

In addition to the ban on combination drugs, the panel recommended that the FDA reduce the highest-allowed OTC acetaminophen dosage from 500 mg down to 325 mg. It also recommends lowering the maximum daily dosage to less than 4,000 mg.

An alternative to a ban would be a "black box warning" on all acetaminophen-containing prescription products. Let's hope the FDA opts for this instead.

The FDA is also considering limits and or/bans of certain narcotic painkillers because of problems related to overdose, including:

• Fentanyl
• Hydromorphone
• Methadone
• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Oxymorphone

I hope the people making these decisions realize that if they take the most effective painkillers away from those of us with chronic pain, they'll actually be encouraging us to take a whole lot of acetaminophen.

I have to say, I'm scared. I don't like taking Vicodin, but when I'm in severe pain it's the only thing that helps me function. One time, before my diagnosis, I'd been feeling pretty good and didn't bother to refill my prescription. A massive flare hit over the weekend, and by Monday I was out. I called my doctor only to find he was out of town for a week and no one else could approve a refill. The fear, panic and desperation I felt when I realized I had no way to combat the pain that wracked my entire body was overwhelming. The FDA could force millions of us to face that every day of our lives.

I hate to deliver news that causes fear or anxiety -- I know how bad that is for us -- so I'm sorry to have to bring this to you. All I can say is, cross your fingers and fill your prescriptions.

Host of Boise Fibromyalgia Support Group Forum
Group Leader of Boise Fibromyalgia Support Group

 

O24 Fibromyalgia -- Clinically Tested - Medically Proven www.zoneo24.com!!

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-- Be peace,

Mary   :o) aka GG

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Earth is my home and animals are my family.  Life is my religion and love is my example.  Peace and freedom belong to us all.