FDA focuses on training to stem painkiller abuse

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Health regulators are hoping more education for doctors and patients can stem the growing tide of prescription painkiller abuse in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration is mandating that all companies that make long-acting or extended-release opioid medicines – including painkillers like oxycodone and methadone – fund training programs for doctors that help them decide when to prescribe such medicines, and how to monitor patients who take them. …