The latest approval made by the Food and Drug Administration has risen more than a few eyebrows all over the country, as oxycodone's FDA was announced last week, something that has alarmed many as there's few information on the compound, except for the fact that it's a derivate from the opium poppy plant, the same one where heroin stems from.
One of the reasons behind oxycodone's FDA approval is, according to the agency's website, is the fact that there are fewer treatments available for children in extreme pain, prompting them to take measures on the matter for those patients who need stronger painkillers.
In fact, other than OxyContin, the only drug approved for this kind of pain in children is Duragesic, also known as fentanyl.
Of course, oxycodone's FDA approval for kids between 11 and 16 isn't directed at all children, but rather those in extreme pain over conditions such as cancer - but many are wondering whether it's safe to give such a potentially addictive compound to kids that young.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the brand name for this compound, OxyContin, is in fact an extended-release version of the oxycodone FDA, and it's part of increasing concern from some health officials saying that this is spreading an epidemic of painkiller abuse in the United States, including many more deaths from overdose.
Many health experts, particularly those who have worked with children who are patients of extreme pain-inducing illnesses such as cancer, have applauded the latest approval, saying it's not a matter of addiction but rather of dealing with children who can also go through high levels of pain - particularly for those who are, unfortunately, at the end of their lives.
In view of concerns over addiction, prior to the oxycodone FDA approval, USA Today reports that a few years back, Purdue Pharma, the makers of OxyContin, changed up their formula to make it more difficult to abuse it.
Regarding the controversy about oxycodone's FDA approval for children, the agency has asked parents to be the ones in charge of approving this treatment or not for their kids, instead of leaving this in the hands of teenagers.
