An effort to consolidate dozens of federal lawsuits against Purdue Pharma, the maker of the controversial painkiller OxyContin, is dead after plaintiffs withdrew their request for multidistrict litigation. The lawsuits accuse Purdue Pharma of over-promoting OxyContin while playing down its potential for abuse or fatal side effects.
OxyContin is a form of synthetic morphine that is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain for patients who need around-the-clock relief. Abusers crush the pills and snort or inject the powder for a heroin-like high.
Authorities say OxyContin continues to spread as the party drug of choice in rural, suburban and urban areas.
The Roanoke Times reported that, “Purdue Pharma has contested claims raised by more than 200 lawsuits filed against it, saying that those who misuse OxyContin should not be allowed to recover damages – or to infringe on the rights of legitimate patients who need the medication.”.
(via The Roanoke Times)
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