The FDA has approved a long-acting hydrocodone (the principle component of Vicodin or Norco) based drug called “Zohydro” for chronic pain. This is another full acting opiate, with high addiction and overdose potential. The successful uses of buprenorphine, as a first line analgesic, are still not fully recognized in the United States. It is our belief that a more enlightened public health strategy needs to be developed. This strategy would include both buprenorphine and addiction training education for all physicians treating pain. In this way, these more dangerous prescription opioids will no longer contribute to the nearly 15,000 preventable deaths yearly (CDC.org). Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2014/02/26/health/zohydro-approval/
At Recovery Without Walls, we carefully use buprenorphine in the treatment of chronic pain. As a drug with less abuse potential, greatly reduced overdose risk, and a higher efficacy for a myriad of pain conditions, buprenorphine can be part of an evidence-based medicine approach we advocate. Get help now. Visit www.recoverywithoutwalls.com or call us at (415) 383-2949.
