www.fdanews.com/articles/186177-sen-alexander-proposes-bills-to-increase-fda-options-to-tackle-opioid-crisis
Sen. Alexander Proposes Bills to Increase FDA Options to Tackle Opioid Crisis
March 28, 2018
Senate Health Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) released two draft bills that would provide the FDA with more tools to deal with the opioid crisis.
One draft would authorize the FDA to require manufacturers to package certain opioids in blister packs for a set dosage and would encourage drugmakers to provide a safe way to dispose of leftover drugs and packaging.
In January, the FDA suggested that blister packs of smaller quantities of opioid drugs — especially for drugs like Vicodin and Percocet usually intended for short-term use — could give providers better prescription options.