Thread by @pleasesaveour

#Dopesick

The history of FDA approvals of opioids

1995
At the time of approval, FDA believed the controlled-release formulation of OxyContin would result in less abuse potential, since the drug would be absorbed slowly
1/
fda.gov/drugs/informat…

and there would not be an immediate “rush” or high that would promote abuse. 

🔥In part, FDA based its judgment on the prior marketing history of a similar product (marketing created by Richard Sackler and Purdue Pharma), MS Contin, a controlled-release formulation of morphine

approved by FDA and used in the medical community since 1987 without significant reports of abuse and misuse.

Early 2000s (5 years)
Reports of overdose and death from prescription drug products, especially opioids, began to rise sharply, with Oxy at the center. 
3/

For instance, the number of people who admitted to using OxyContin for non-medical purposes increased dramatically from approximately 400,000 in 1999 to 1.9 million in 2002 and to 2.8 million in 2003

This is because Richard Sackler insisted that Purdue spend $1M to bombard the

country with sales reps who use psychological profiles of doctors, and were told to wine, dine, dress sexy whatever it took, because the patent on MS Contin was about to expire.

This was all about Richard Sackler's ego.
5/

The Sacklers still have their money and their international sales of opioids. I will never understand why these people are not in prison, while doctors are