Non-Opioid Painkiller Dyloject Now FDA-Approved

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved the injectable painkiller Dyloject, by Hospira, Inc.

The new medication comes from a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are commonly used as painkillers but are also being studied for their anti-inflammatory effects.

This particular approval just following working efforts to curb rising opioid-prescription drug abuse. Though opioids work to relieve pain, they can have dangerous consequences. These types of medications work by reducing the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain that affect areas controlling emotions, diminishing painful stimulus. Some common types include hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin), oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet), morphine and (e.g., Kadian, Avinza), codeine. However, their use is often very limited as they can be addictive and lead to overdose and even death, in more severe cases.

Statistics show that there have been close to 16,500 deaths from opioid prescription drug abuse in the United States alone in 2010.
The FDA approved Hysingla ER, Purdue Pharma LP's long-acting narcotic painkiller with abuse-resistant properties in November, in line with its efforts to combat escalating abuse, according to Reuters.

It's the fourth painkiller to have abuse-resistant properties that are cleared by the agencies.

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).