FDA seeking public comment on opioid use

FDA is holding a public hearing on Feb. 7 and 8, 2013, to discuss the use of opioids for chronic pain. The agency is seeking public comment -- in particular scientific evidence -- on the potential effects on prescribing practices, patient pain control and access to medication and opioid abuse and misuse if labels for the compounds were to include limits on the maximum daily dose and duration of use or were restricted to include use only for severe pain. FDA also is seeking comments on how professionals distinguish between different types of pain and pain severity. The agency is accepting comments until April 8, 2013. ...