Manchin Applauds FDA Opioid Labeling Requirement

Press Release

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for toughening its labeling requirements for immediate-release opioid medications.

"This warning label requirement is a good first step in preventing the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, but more needs to be done," Senator Manchin said. "Prescribers are on the frontlines of this epidemic and I have been pushing for prescriber and consumer education on opioids as part of a comprehensive approach to combatting the opioid epidemic. I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of prescription drug abuse have had on my state and our nation and I will continue to do all that I can to curb this epidemic."

The FDA will now require printed warning labels on boxes of immediate-release opioids with the risks of misuse, abuse, addiction, overdose and death. New requirements will also include a precaution that chronic maternal use of opioids during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and updated labeling about the potentially harmful drug interactions between opioids and other medications.

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