Saturday, May 12, 2007

Oxycontin Scandal

Oxycontin, in case you didn't know, is a very strong--yet effective--pain killer. This is a drug that is strict limited by prescription, but was widely prescribed due to it's effectiveness. As of Friday, "Purdue Pharma L.P., its president, top lawyer and former chief medical officer [have been ordered to] pay $634.5 million in fines for claiming the drug was less addictive and less subject to abuse than other pain medications." None of these men will see an ounce of jail time.

Many believe they should receive jail time, comparing them to typical street side dealers. This is not a just representation, no jail time for these gentlemen is needed because their drug--from what I heard--did work and all drugs--over the counter or prescription--have side effects of some type. But this $634.5 million dollar fine isn't nearly punishment enough for this $10 billion company. Personally, this company should be charged to pay for any individuals suffering from this drug, which they undoubtedly will once all the trial lawyers get to working.

One final point though. I make no attempt to hide the fact that I'm a Rush Limbaugh fan. I'm actually a 24/7 insider and highly enjoy all I get from the service. In the mid 90's, Mr. Limbaugh came out on his radio show saying he was addicted to pain killers. What pain killer? Oxycontin. Is this an excuse? Maybe, maybe not, but it does prove that he is merely a man. A opinionated man with a big mouth? Yep, but a man nonetheless.

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