AMA applauds FDA for requiring naloxone information on opioid labels

The following statement is attributable to:
Patrice A. Harris, M.D., M.A.
Chair, AMA Opioid Task Force

“The new labeling can serve as a starting point for discussion between patients and physicians about risks and benefits associated with opioids and factors that might lead to unintentional overdose for patients taking prescribed opioid analgesics as well as those being treated for a substance use disorder. The AMA has encouraged physicians to prescribe naloxone to patients at risk of overdose as part of a proactive and coordinated public health approach to opioid-related overdoses. With overdoses increasing, the more harm-reduction strategies we can employ and the increased access patients have to naloxone, the better.”