OxyContin maker Purdue cuts sales team, won't market opioids

by Noah Mcgee February 12, 2018, 0:40

Must Read

 OxyContin maker Purdue cuts sales team, won't market opioids

Purdue Pharmaceuticals, the maker of the powerful painkiller OxyContin, said on Saturday it will stop marketing opioid drugs to physicians following a slew of lawsuits against the company over the opioid epidemic, The Hill reports. As the country continues to battle with an opioid epidemic, one of the largest producers of prescription opioids has made an important marketing decision that may potentially impact the war on addictive drugs.

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, Purdue will continue selling the drug, but will no longer send salespeople to doctors' offices to promote it. Purdue will cut its USA sales staff by more than half.

Purdue Pharma pleaded guilty in 2007 to felony charges for false marketing of OxyContin and paid $635 million as a result. "Requests for information about our opioid products will be handled through direct communication with the highly experienced health care professionals that comprise our Medical Affairs department".

Its sales representatives will now focus on Symproic, a drug for treating opioid-induced constipation, and other potential non-opioid products, Purdue said.

Purdue's sales representatives will now focus on the Symproic drug created to treat opioid-induced constipation, and other non-opioid products.

Newsweek fires top editors, senior reporters
They couldn't be reached for comment but sources late Monday said they remain employed at NMG, previously known as IBT Media . Josh Keefe , a reporter with the International Business Times , has also been fired, according to sources.

Alabama last Tuesday became the latest state to file a lawsuit accusing the private CT company of fueling the USA epidemic by misrepresenting the risks and benefits of opioids. It generated billions in sales for privately-held Purdue.

The government pressure on opioid prescribing is having a profound effect. The CDC says more than three out of five drug overdose deaths involve opioids - and that annual deaths from heroin and prescription opioids have increased more than five-fold since 1999, including 42,000 deaths in 2016.

"We are deeply troubled by the opioid crisis, and we are dedicated to being part of the solution", the company said.

Purdue's promotions exaggerated the drug's safety and risks of addiction, leading to lawsuits and federal investigations.

Recommended News


TOP News

U.S. to gradually reduce troops in Iraq
An AP reporter at the Al-Asad base in western saw troop movements reflecting the contractors' account. The presence of U.S. troops grew, however, as Iraq's military struggled to roll back the extremists.

Floyd Mayweather Reportedly Considering Fighting Conor McGregor In UFC
I can go fight in the Octagon. "I can come right back", Mayweather said during an Instagram live video. Mayweather came out of retirement to face McGregor and immediately retired again after their bout.

Russell Westbrook, Paul George lead Thunder rout of stumbling Warriors
We're just not playing the way we normally do in terms of the ball movement, the pace and the spacing. "It's been a struggle". The Thunder never trailed, 7-0 and 9-0 runs in the first quarter to build a 42-30 lead after the first quarter.

11 minute scoring drought dooms Illini in loss to Ohio State
Trent Frazier scored in double figures for the 13th time in 14 games, but he made just five of his 15 shot attempts. Despite some of the worst play by IL all season during that stretch, they still only trailed by four at the half.

Sampson's energy and Bogdanovic's big shot elevate Kings past Bulls
Lopez had to be held back by teammates after being called for a second technical with 4:21 left in the second quarter. It was one of the few highlights for Chicago in the 104-98 setback Monday at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

Controversy has already hit at the Winter Olympics in mixed doubles curling
Morris won Olympic gold in 2010 playing third for Kevin Martin, while Lawes topped the podium in 2014 as vice for Jennifer Jones. It's a key piece of strategy, as it often lends to the team with the hammer scoring a big end of three or more points.

Cavs land Hood, Hill in three-way deal with Jazz, Kings
Crowder averaged 8.6 points after arriving in the offseason deal in which Kyrie Irving was traded to the Boston Celtics. The Jazz wanted to get an asset for him before having to decide if they were going to match an offer from another team.

Windows 10 insiders get Game Bar improvements
As ever, some known bugs remain, including a pause of up to 90 minutes at the 88% mark during the installation process. Talking about security , Windows Defender is now Windows Security in Settings, and the window has been remodeled.

Sean Hutchison Accused of Sexually Abusing Olympian Ariana Kukors When Underage
After practice one day when she was 15, he asked about her underwear and started kissing and touching her, Kukors writes. He once put a paper ring on my ring finger that read, 'My lovely Ari, ' and told me he wanted to spend his life with me.

It's National Pizza Day! Celebrate with these deals
Baskin-Robbins: Get a free slice of Sweetheart Polar Pizza from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday at participating locations nationwide. Before you order, consider this: A study from food delivery provider Foodler determined the most popular pizza toppings.