Last year President Trump was highly critical of opioid drug manufacturers. He wanted to shed more light on their role in the opioid crisis. The rise in prescription opioids has drawn the attention lawmakers across the country. Opioid prescriptions were 219 million in 2011; this was nearly triple the number reported 20 years earlier despite the fact the level of pain felt by Americans may not have increased proportionately. Others believe opioid manufacturers may have aggressively marketed these drugs to doctors without properly describing the risks.
Drug overdoses represent the largest cause of accidental deaths in the United States; they recently surpassed car accidents. Many believe the rise in drug overdoses has been driven by the use of prescription opioids. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2016, the number of drug overdoses were 64,000, up 23% Y/Y and more than twice the 23,518 reported in 2002. In 2002, opioid prescription drug overdoses were 32% of total drug overdoses. That figure increased to 43% in 2015, and 59% in 2016. Opioid prescription overdoses continue to hit record highs even after the government’s concerted efforts to reduce them.
Judge Dismisses Delaware Lawsuit Against Walgreens
The opioid crisis have ravaged entire communities. The question remains, “Who is to blame.” State attorneys general have placed the crisis at the feet of drug manufacturers and distributors. Opioid manufacturers and distributors are being sued by state attorneys genera and thousands of cities and counties across the country. A Delaware judge recently dismissed an opioid lawsuit against Walgreens. The news could send shock waves. Read more:
