VERMONT LIMITS OXYCONTIN ACCESS FDA STRENGTHENS LABEL

Vermont won't pay for OxyContin prescriptions for patients who
receive certain state welfare benefits.

Gov. Howard Dean, MD, in July said the state made the decision based
on the painkiller's link to addiction and crime. In response to
reports of the misuse of OxyContin, the Food and Drug Administration
in July strengthened the warning and precautions section of the
drug's label.

It will include a "black box warning" -- the strongest for an
FDA-approved drug. The agency hopes to lessen the chance that
OxyContin will be prescribed inappropriately. Purdue Pharma LP, the
drug's manufacturer, said the change was made voluntarily with the
FDA in an effort to reduce abuse and diversion of prescription pain
medication.