Can you tell me how opioid drugs became popular for pain management treatments in the US in the pharmaceutical industry?
Can you tell me how opioid drugs became popular for pain management treatments in the US in the pharmaceutical industry?
user
In the 1990s, the pharmaceutical industry promoted strong opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone as effective treatments for pain. They also argued that, because these drugs were safe and effective when taken correctly, they should be readily available without a prescription. This led to their widespread use in hospitals, clinics, and retail outlets and contributed to their reputation as an easy way to treat pain.
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Can you tell me how opioid drugs became popular for pain management treatments in the US in the pharmaceutical industry?
user
The use of opioids for pain management in the United States became increasingly popular after Purdue Pharma introduced their pain medication Oxycontin in the 1990s. Purdue Pharma aggressively marketed their drug as a less-addictive alternative to other pain medications, and they promoted it for treating any type of chronic pain. This led to healthcare providers quickly prescribing the drug for patients, and it soon became a go-to solution for those with chronic pain. By 2001, over six million Americans were reported to have misused prescription opioids, and this number increased exponentially over the following years. In recent years governments across America have been responding by trying to reduce the supply of these drugs with increased regulation efforts while also increasing awareness surrounding prevention and treatment measures regarding substance abuse .  To learn more about this topic read our article on How did Opioid Drugs Become So Popular in The US?
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