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The largest head-to-head study to date between two leading drugs to treat opioid addiction has found them roughly equivalent — an outcome that could dramatically change prescribing habits and boost the fortunes of the newer drug, Vivitrol. The study, sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, found that a monthly shot of naltrexone (sold […]

OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma LP said on Saturday that it has cut its sales force in half and will stop promoting opioids to physicians, following widespread criticism of the ways that drugmakers market addictive painkillers. The drugmaker said it will inform doctors on Monday that its sales representatives will no longer visit physician offices to

by Michelle Andrews I recently hobbled to the drugstore to pick up painkillers after minor outpatient knee surgery, only to discover that the pharmacist hadn’t yet filled the prescription. My doctor’s order of 90 generic Percocet exceeded the number my insurer would approve, he said. I left a short time later with a bottle containing

The words CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF are welcomed by air travelers in a hurry. They’re even more welcomed by airline pilots who once feared they’d never fly again. Our Cover Story is reported by Tony Dokoupil: Many alcoholics can tell you the exact moment they hit rock bottom. Former airline Captain Lyle Prouse hit his at

(CNN) In a new effort to tackle the deadly opioid addiction crisis in the United States, pharmacy giant CVS announced Friday that it will limit opioid prescriptions to seven days for certain conditions. This restriction will apply to patients who are new to pain therapy. The new pharmacy program will also limit the daily dosage

True Blood’ Star Nelsan Ellis – Alcohol Withdrawal Complications Led to Heart Failure. Nelsan Ellis’ heart failure was triggered by alcohol withdrawal complications. The “True Blood” star’s family said Nelsan — who died Saturday — struggled with drug and alcohol abuse for years and his latest attempt to withdraw from booze on his own led