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Extended-release hydrocodone: the devil in disguise or just misunderstood?
Ann Pharmacother. 2014 Oct;48(10):1362-5
Authors: Schweighardt AE, Juba KM
Abstract
Opioid abuse in the United States increased significantly over the past decade, leading to opioid-related deaths. Approval of Zohydro ER, a product that lacks an abuse-deterrent formulation, has provoked media controversy and aggressive legislative action from multiple stakeholders. Only the American Academy of Pain Management has released a position statement on this medication, and individual opinion varies. Additional single-entity extended-release hydrocodone formulations are in the pipeline, and Zohydro ER's limited clinical utility may make the controversy associated with its approval a moot point. As with other opioids, providers will need to assess individual patient risk versus benefit when prescribing Zohydro ER.
PMID: 25164521 [PubMed - in process]