Who decides policy for pain patients?

OxyContin maker says Lynch bill a real pain
By Ann E. DonlanSaturday, May 7, 2005

The makers of the chronic pain medication OxyContin vowed to fight a Bay State congressman's bill that would outlaw the drug in the U.S. because of the rate of addiction and overdose deaths.

``We absolutely share a concern that the illegal use of this drug is a serious problem in the Boston area,'' said Robin Hogen, vice president of public affairs for Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin. ``It is not however a national problem. If you take it off the market because it is being abused . . . you're really allowing criminals to dictate health care policy.''

U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch (D-South Boston) has filed a bill seeking to pull the controversial drug from the market, a move that prompted many medical professionals and patients taking the drug for chronic pain, to express alarm.

``It has revolutionized comfort for many of my patients,'' said Marybeth Singer, a nurse practioner at New England Medical Center who works with cancer patients.

Singer said the drug, which several patients praised yesterday because they say it is the only way they can live with chronic pain and still work and enjoy their families, is ``a very useful drug when used appropriately.''

But when it's not used as directed, the time-release drug, if crushed and then injected or snorted, can deliver an almost immediate heroin-like high that is highly addictive.

Hogen predicted that Lynch's mailbox and phone lines would be jammed from health care specialists and patients who oppose his proposed ban.

Here is his offical website:
http://www.house.gov/lynch/