FDA statement on access to opioids for patients with chronic, end-of-life pain

Editor's Note

Food & Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner, Scott Gottlieb, MD, on July 9 issued a statement on balancing access to appropriate treatment for patients with chronic and end-of-life pain with the need to stem the misuse and abuse of opioids.

As the FDA considers new steps to address the opioid addiction crisis, Gottlieb says, the agency remains focused on striking the right balance between reducing the rate of new addictions by rationalizing prescribing, while still enabling appropriate access to those who have legitimate needs for opioids.