FDA Advisers: Opioid Prescribing Training Should Be Mandatory

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by André Sofair, MD, MPH, and William E. Chavey, MD, MS

In an effort to reduce misuse of opioid painkillers, an FDA advisory panel has "overwhelmingly endorsed" mandatory training for clinicians who prescribe the drugs, the Wall Street Journal reports.

The conclusion follows a 2-day hearing in which panelists heard public testimony on the risks associated with the painkillers. The Journal quotes one emergency medicine physician's testimonial: "Every brain is at risk for dependence. As far as the human brain is concerned, all opiates are heroin." The physician added that the risks can be decreased only by reducing opioid prescribing.

In addition, a common theme at the hearing was the importance of limiting industry involvement in provider training.

The FDA frequently follows its advisers' recommendations but isn't required to do so.