A recent study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that tramadol, a commonly prescribed opioid for chronic pain, offers minimal pain relief and poses significant health risks, including serious cardiovascular events, leading experts to question its use for long-term pain management.
Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican candidate for New Jersey governor, plans to sue Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill for defamation over her claims during a debate that he profited from the opioid crisis and was responsible for thousands of deaths, which his campaign denies and considers defamatory. The lawsuit is expected to be filed soon, amid ongoing political tensions and accusations related to opioid industry ties.
Florida has become the first state to ban the sale of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent kratom byproduct that acts like an opioid, classifying it as a Schedule I controlled substance following FDA recommendations, aiming to curb its use and potential health risks.
The FDA is targeting 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent, morphine-like compound found in kratom, which has gained popularity for its pain-relieving and mood-enhancing effects. While some advocate for its benefits, concerns about its high potency, potential for addiction, and unregulated production have led to calls for stricter regulation to ensure safety. Kratom's legal status varies across states, and the compound's effects are not fully understood, raising public health concerns.
The FDA has recommended classifying the synthetic compound 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), found in unregulated products sold at gas stations and online, as a Schedule I illicit substance due to its potent opioid-like effects and associated health risks, prompting a review by the DEA.
The FDA is recommending scheduling 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent opioid byproduct of kratom, under the Controlled Substances Act to prevent abuse and protect public health, especially among youth, amid concerns over its increasing availability and potential for addiction.
The FDA and health officials are planning to announce measures to crack down on synthetic products containing 7-OH, a potent opioid-like substance derived from kratom, which is increasingly found in various consumer products and raises safety concerns.
A pharmacy mistake in British Columbia nearly led to a 9-year-old boy being given a potent opioid instead of his ADHD medication, but the error was caught before any harm occurred. The pharmacy attributed the mistake to human error, and the family chose not to return to that pharmacy afterward.
The autopsy report for actor Matthew Perry reveals that he died from "the acute effects of ketamine," along with drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of an opioid. Perry, known for his role in "Friends," was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his home in Los Angeles. Ketamine, a powerful anesthetic used for alternative therapy and recreationally, was found in his system. The report stated that the high levels of ketamine contributed to cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression. The FDA had previously issued a warning about the dangers of using compounded versions of ketamine for psychiatric disorders. Perry had been open about his struggles with substance abuse and had spent a significant portion of his life in treatment facilities.
Twelve students at Crossroads Accelerated Academy in West Philadelphia drank grape juice mixed with a possible opioid, believed to be wonk, which two students brought in and shared with their classmates. Five students were treated at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and seven are at home with their parents. The students range in age from 12 to 16 years old. The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating.
The Texas House has approved a bill that would expand eligibility for the state's medical marijuana program to include people who suffer from chronic pain. The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Klick, R-Fort Worth, would allow patients who suffer from chronic pain that would normally warrant an opioid prescription to be eligible for a 10-milligram dosage of cannabis, per their doctor. Texans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism, ALS, cancer, and epilepsy already qualify under the program. The bill will now head to the Senate.
Joanne Marian Segovia, executive director of the San Jose Police Officers’ Association, has been charged with attempting to import controlled substances, including valeryl fentanyl, from China into the US. Segovia was identified after the Department of Homeland Security investigated a network sending Indian-made controlled substances to the San Francisco Bay Area. The San Jose Police Officers’ Association did not respond to a request for comment.