Clipping Board » Drug Poisoning ─ It is necessary to be aware of the toxic side effects before taking medication.
Publication Date: 2008-03-23
Painkiller Usage Doubles in 8 Years: Are Americans Living in "Pain"? A recent analysis by the Associated Press reveals that from 1997 to 2005, the sales of five major painkillers in U.S. retail pharmacies nearly doubled. Americans are consuming massive quantities of painkillers at an alarming rate.
**Surge in Sales**
The Associated Press reported on the 21st that after analyzing data obtained from the Drug Enforcement Administration, it found that between 1997 and 2005, the sales of five major painkillers in U.S. retail pharmacies increased by 90%. These five drugs are codeine, morphine, oxycodone (14-hydroxy dihydrocodeinone), hydrocodone (dihydrocodeinone), and meperidine.
This data means that U.S. retail pharmacies have sold over 90 tons of painkillers in recent years. On average, each American consumes more than 300 milligrams of painkillers.
Among these, the sales of oxycodone saw the most significant increase. Oxycodone is the active ingredient in the powerful painkiller OxyContin. From 1997 to 2005, the usage of oxycodone increased nearly sixfold.
The analysis also noted that the trend of painkiller overuse has spread beyond major cities. Oxycodone was once frequently traded illegally as a drug in the Appalachian region of the U.S. Today, its highest sales are in the suburbs of cities like St. Louis, Columbus, and Fort Lauderdale.
The highest retail sales of hydrocodone nationwide are in Appalachia. Meanwhile, nine of the top 10 regions with the highest per capita hydrocodone usage are rural areas in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
**Reasons for the Increase**
The analysis highlights three major reasons behind the sharp rise in painkiller usage:
1. **Aging Population**: As the population ages, the demand for painkillers increases accordingly. In 2000, there were 35 million Americans aged 65 and older. The Census Bureau estimates that by 2020, this number will reach 45 million.
2. Pharmaceutical companies have launched unprecedented marketing campaigns. According to statistics from a congressional investigative body, pharmaceutical marketing expenses rose from $11 billion in 1997 to $30 billion in 2005. Among Fortune 500 companies, pharmaceutical firms have profit margins three to four times higher than other industries.
3. **Changing Medical Perspectives**: In the past, doctors advised patients that pain was part of the healing process. Since the early 1980s, this view has gradually shifted. Today, most doctors believe that pain management is a critical aspect of treatment.
For example, 54-year-old James Fernandez, a retired Marine veteran who served in the Gulf War and survived two plane crashes, suffers from physical disabilities and war-related syndromes. He now takes nine painkillers daily, including oxycodone. "Painkillers have changed my life," he says. "I’m not doing great, but at least everything is under control."
**Cause for Concern**
The trend of painkiller overuse has raised concerns among many Americans, even among those who advocate for their widespread use. Dr. Russell Portenoy, head of pain management at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, said, "I’m worried, and many others are too. The pendulum has swung too far."
The analysis notes that as prescription painkillers have become more accessible than ever, an increasing number of people are misusing these drugs.According to official data, emergency room visits due to painkiller abuse have surged by 160% since 1995.
As government regulations in this area have become increasingly strict, many medical professionals with the authority to prescribe painkillers are now willing to offer advice and guidance to patients but refuse to write prescriptions—even for those in desperate need—for fear of legal repercussions. As a result, some people who urgently require strong painkillers must drive long distances to find doctors willing to prescribe them.
However, doctors' caution may not effectively curb the trend of painkiller abuse. Joseph Rannazzisi, Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, stated that fewer than 1% of physicians illegally prescribe medication to patients, while more people obtain drugs from friends or family.
A 2004 U.S. government study estimated that approximately 2 to 3 million doses of codeine, hydrocodone, and OxyContin are stolen annually from pharmacies, distributors, and manufacturers.
John Charles, Director of Medical Affairs at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, believes the trend of increasing painkiller use will continue because "cancer patients are living longer, and overall life expectancy is rising... We [doctors] don’t have many options."
Source: http://zhaoying. haodf. com/ wenzhang/ 1558. htm
Sales of Painkillers Rise Yearly!
Painkiller Usage Doubles in 8 Years: Are Americans Living in "Pain"? A recent analysis by the Associated Press reveals that from 1997 to 2005, the sales of five major painkillers in U.S. retail pharmacies nearly doubled. Americans are consuming massive quantities of painkillers at an alarming rate.
**Surge in Sales**
The Associated Press reported on the 21st that after analyzing data obtained from the Drug Enforcement Administration, it found that between 1997 and 2005, the sales of five major painkillers in U.S. retail pharmacies increased by 90%. These five drugs are codeine, morphine, oxycodone (14-hydroxy dihydrocodeinone), hydrocodone (dihydrocodeinone), and meperidine.
This data means that U.S. retail pharmacies have sold over 90 tons of painkillers in recent years. On average, each American consumes more than 300 milligrams of painkillers.
Among these, the sales of oxycodone saw the most significant increase. Oxycodone is the active ingredient in the powerful painkiller OxyContin. From 1997 to 2005, the usage of oxycodone increased nearly sixfold.
The analysis also noted that the trend of painkiller overuse has spread beyond major cities. Oxycodone was once frequently traded illegally as a drug in the Appalachian region of the U.S. Today, its highest sales are in the suburbs of cities like St. Louis, Columbus, and Fort Lauderdale.
The highest retail sales of hydrocodone nationwide are in Appalachia. Meanwhile, nine of the top 10 regions with the highest per capita hydrocodone usage are rural areas in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
**Reasons for the Increase**
The analysis highlights three major reasons behind the sharp rise in painkiller usage:
1. **Aging Population**: As the population ages, the demand for painkillers increases accordingly. In 2000, there were 35 million Americans aged 65 and older. The Census Bureau estimates that by 2020, this number will reach 45 million.
2. Pharmaceutical companies have launched unprecedented marketing campaigns. According to statistics from a congressional investigative body, pharmaceutical marketing expenses rose from $11 billion in 1997 to $30 billion in 2005. Among Fortune 500 companies, pharmaceutical firms have profit margins three to four times higher than other industries.
3. **Changing Medical Perspectives**: In the past, doctors advised patients that pain was part of the healing process. Since the early 1980s, this view has gradually shifted. Today, most doctors believe that pain management is a critical aspect of treatment.
For example, 54-year-old James Fernandez, a retired Marine veteran who served in the Gulf War and survived two plane crashes, suffers from physical disabilities and war-related syndromes. He now takes nine painkillers daily, including oxycodone. "Painkillers have changed my life," he says. "I’m not doing great, but at least everything is under control."
**Cause for Concern**
The trend of painkiller overuse has raised concerns among many Americans, even among those who advocate for their widespread use. Dr. Russell Portenoy, head of pain management at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, said, "I’m worried, and many others are too. The pendulum has swung too far."
The analysis notes that as prescription painkillers have become more accessible than ever, an increasing number of people are misusing these drugs.According to official data, emergency room visits due to painkiller abuse have surged by 160% since 1995.
As government regulations in this area have become increasingly strict, many medical professionals with the authority to prescribe painkillers are now willing to offer advice and guidance to patients but refuse to write prescriptions—even for those in desperate need—for fear of legal repercussions. As a result, some people who urgently require strong painkillers must drive long distances to find doctors willing to prescribe them.
However, doctors' caution may not effectively curb the trend of painkiller abuse. Joseph Rannazzisi, Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, stated that fewer than 1% of physicians illegally prescribe medication to patients, while more people obtain drugs from friends or family.
A 2004 U.S. government study estimated that approximately 2 to 3 million doses of codeine, hydrocodone, and OxyContin are stolen annually from pharmacies, distributors, and manufacturers.
John Charles, Director of Medical Affairs at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, believes the trend of increasing painkiller use will continue because "cancer patients are living longer, and overall life expectancy is rising... We [doctors] don’t have many options."
Source: http://zhaoying. haodf. com/ wenzhang/ 1558. htm