Ethics And Vicodin
Alex Brown
Dr. Sobotka
POP 2 Section 3
11 April 2014
Ethics and Vicodin The problem being addressed is the FDA is looking to ban prescribing over a month’s supply of drugs, such as Vicodin, that contain hydrocodone to control and prevent drug misuse and abuse. The issue that arises from this is for those who legitimately need and use these painkillers on a regular basis for medical reasons. This ban would require patients taking Vicodin to return to their physician once a month to get a new prescription.
In my opinion, the FDA should not put this ban into effect. I think Vicodin should stay a schedule III drug to benefit patients who experience chronic pain. Some patients are unable to make it to the doctor’s once a month, and some patients’ health care plans do not cover monthly visits for Vicodin to be prescribed. The article discusses how some pharmacies do not even carry schedule II drugs, causing patients who need this prescription filled to go out of their way to obtain it. In the article it states that, “According to numerous studies and government statistics the majority of those who become addicted to opioids don’t get hooked after receiving legitimate prescriptions from doctors for pain treatment”. It is good that the FDA is trying to reduce drug abuse, but the concern needs to be on the patients who are going to be effected in a negative way.
The ethical principles that relate closely to my argument are justice and fidelity. Justice deals with equal and fair distribution of resources, and is “a principle of fair and equal treatment for all”. The FDA’s decision is unjust for those patients who would be negatively impacted. They do not deserve to be punished for the actions of those who have a problem abusing Vicodin. A doctor or pharmacist should be trained to recognize when a patient is truly in need of the medication, and when its use is no longer required. The other principle that relates is fidelity. Fidelity has to do with devotion
Dr. Sobotka
POP 2 Section 3
11 April 2014
Ethics and Vicodin The problem being addressed is the FDA is looking to ban prescribing over a month’s supply of drugs, such as Vicodin, that contain hydrocodone to control and prevent drug misuse and abuse. The issue that arises from this is for those who legitimately need and use these painkillers on a regular basis for medical reasons. This ban would require patients taking Vicodin to return to their physician once a month to get a new prescription.
In my opinion, the FDA should not put this ban into effect. I think Vicodin should stay a schedule III drug to benefit patients who experience chronic pain. Some patients are unable to make it to the doctor’s once a month, and some patients’ health care plans do not cover monthly visits for Vicodin to be prescribed. The article discusses how some pharmacies do not even carry schedule II drugs, causing patients who need this prescription filled to go out of their way to obtain it. In the article it states that, “According to numerous studies and government statistics the majority of those who become addicted to opioids don’t get hooked after receiving legitimate prescriptions from doctors for pain treatment”. It is good that the FDA is trying to reduce drug abuse, but the concern needs to be on the patients who are going to be effected in a negative way.
The ethical principles that relate closely to my argument are justice and fidelity. Justice deals with equal and fair distribution of resources, and is “a principle of fair and equal treatment for all”. The FDA’s decision is unjust for those patients who would be negatively impacted. They do not deserve to be punished for the actions of those who have a problem abusing Vicodin. A doctor or pharmacist should be trained to recognize when a patient is truly in need of the medication, and when its use is no longer required. The other principle that relates is fidelity. Fidelity has to do with devotion