Upton, Coburn Seek More Information on Non-Tamper-Resistant Prescription Drugs Set to Hit Market

Drugs Like Oxycontin Currently Manufactured with Tamper Resistant Formulas – Law Enforcement, Health Care Officials, and Parents Concerned with the Prospect of Non-Tamper-Resistant Versions Hitting the Market, Making Powerful Prescription Drugs Easier to Crush and Abuse

WASHINGTON, DC – Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) today requested the Department of Health and Human Services provide more information on its efforts to address the growing concerns surrounding the imminent release of non-tamper-resistant versions of extended-release opioids, such as Oxycontin.

The members wrote, “During the past month, we have heard from a number of concerned citizens, including parents, law enforcement officials, health care providers, state and local officials, and our colleagues in Congress, about the impending release of the non-tamper-resistant versions of these opioids.  According to these concerned citizens, the release of the non-tamper-resistant versions will deal a significant setback to our nation’s ongoing struggle to stop prescription drug abuse.”

The members requested HHS explain what authority it has to remove these products should they jeopardize the public health and provide a progress report on the agency’s efforts to comply with FDA Safety and Innovation Act mandates that require FDA to issue guidance on the development of abuse-deterrent products.

A copy of the letter can be found here.

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