WRONG POLICY ON OXYCONTIN

As a pharmacist for 37 years, I took great exception to US Representative
Stephen Lynch's letter regarding OxyContin (June 16). Having been robbed
three times and hospitalized once after an attack, I, too, am keenly aware
of the drug abuse problem in America, but Lynch should understand the
obligation of physicians and pharmacists to patients.

If Lynch feels that the indication of back pain or pain after a dental
procedure does not warrant the use of OxyContin, where did he get that
information? What would "Dr. Lynch" prescribe instead? A cox-2
inhibitor? Sorry, off the market. How about an NSAID like Motrin? Nope,
contraindicated because they inhibit clotting. How about morphine sulfate?
Too addicting. How about methadone or any other class 2 or class 3
analgesic? How about Darvon or acetaminophen with codeine? They are
ineffective and, when prescribed for Medicare/Medicaid patients, a waste of
money.

OxyContin, when used appropriately, can provide relief with measurable
results. Why does Lynch want to make pain more difficult to manage? He
should leave doctoring to physicians and pharmaceuticals to pharmacists.

RICHARD M. ARNOLD

Burlington