Health Alert: FDA approves a powerful new opioid despite fears of more overdose deaths

The agency approved a new painkiller for use in health-care settings, rejecting criticism from some of its own advisers that it would inevitably be diverted to illicit use. The drug is five to 10 times more potent than pharmaceutical fentanyl. The tiny pill — just three millimeters in diameter — is likely to worsen the nation's drug crisis, according to critics and one of the FDA's own experts.

Democracy Dies in Darkness     Health Alert Nov 2, 2:35 PM     FDA approves a powerful new opioid despite fears of more overdose deaths The agency approved a new painkiller for use in health-care settings, rejecting criticism from some of its own advisers that it would inevitably be diverted to illicit use. The drug is five to 10 times more potent than pharmaceutical fentanyl. The tiny pill — just three millimeters in diameter — is likely to worsen the nation's drug crisis, according to critics and one of the FDA's own experts. Read more » Advertisement You received this email because you signed up for news alerts from The Washington Post. Manage my newsletters and alerts | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Help ©2018 The Washington Post, 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071