Who is to blame for the opioid epidemic? This question has several answers: Over-prescription, failure of pharmacies to report suspicious orders, and Pharmaceutical companies’ legal liability. While the causes of the epidemic are complex, some factors have more influence than others. Here are some of the main factors responsible for the crisis. And who are they to blame? Let’s examine each one of them. We’ll cover the consequences of each one in turn.
Over-prescription
The opioid epidemic has caused many to question the role of pharmaceutical companies and drug distributors in the rise of addiction and overdose rates. The fact is that the opioid epidemic is a growing national health crisis. In the past four decades, over half of Americans have been addicted to some type of opioid, and the percentage is likely to rise as the population ages. Nevertheless, many people blame both drug companies and doctors for contributing to the opioid crisis.
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The over-prescription of opioids has been criticized by health experts as contributing to the rising death toll. Experts believe that this practice has to do with physicians’ increasing pressure to cure patients of pain. They may also develop a “pills for pain” mentality that encourages them to prescribe these powerful medications to relieve pain. In short, doctors prescribe opioids because they are more convenient than alternative treatments.
Pharmacies’ failure to report suspicious orders
In the latest case, a federal jury has found three major pharmacy chains liable for the nationwide opioid crisis. Until now, the retail drug industry has not been held accountable for its role in the epidemic. But the outcome of the case could set a precedent for other cities and counties. The opioid crisis has killed more than half a million people in the United States over the past two decades.
According to the DEA, companies that dispensed prescription drugs failed to report suspicious orders. While they paid fines and promised to stop doing so, many continued to manufacture and distribute large quantities of pills. In some cases, the companies ignored red flags indicating that their pills were diverted to the black market. Despite this, the opioid epidemic continues to worsen. And if pharmacies are not responsible, how can they stop it?
Drug companies’ downplaying of the addictive nature
A lawsuit filed by Connecticut attorney general William Tong claims that the opioid crisis is partly attributable to drug companies’ downplaying of the addictive nature of prescription painkillers. The company, Purdue Pharma, is responsible for the OxyContin prescription painkiller, and its executives have been cited for their corporate influence. But these allegations aren’t limited to the United States. It also claims that pharmaceutical companies in other countries are engaging in similar practices.
The drug industry has been involved in many public health initiatives, including partnerships with government agencies and other nonprofit organizations. However, the NIH has not directly blamed pharmaceutical companies for the crisis, despite its strong support of preventing opioid overdose and other health care complications. The NIH’s recent report on the crisis also failed to mention the opioid industry’s role in the crisis. Yet, the NIH’s director has also avoided pointing the finger at drug companies.
Pharmaceutical companies’ legal liability
While many of us have heard stories about lawsuits against drug companies for overprescription and addiction, the legal liability of pharmaceutical companies for the opioid epidemic is more complicated. These lawsuits have to do with marketing and deceptive practices on the part of drug companies. For example, Purdue Pharma misled patients and doctors by marketing OxyContin as providing 12-hour pain relief. However, the drug’s effects wore off sooner than expected and patients ended up suffering addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
State governments and localities have also stepped up the pressure to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable. Ohio’s Attorney General has led the way in this effort. Judge Polster has emphasized the importance of collaboration between state attorneys general and local governments to bring these cases. Additionally, many cases have been filed in the federal court system. To stay up to date on these lawsuits, visit our Global Settlement Tracker page. The opioid cases are filed by localities, tribal sovereign nations, and states.
