Codeine Lawsuit

What’s the Problem?

Since 1999, there has been a 300% increase in opioid prescriptions in the U.S., as well as a surge in deaths from overdoses on thee drugs. In fact, opioid overdose is now the leading killer of people under the age of 50 in the U.S. While many opioid abusers resort to buying illegal substances like heroin, 75% of addicts have reported that their first opioid was a prescription medication like codeine.

What is Codeine?

Codeine is an opioid that depresses the nervous system, which means it slows down the messages travelling between the brain and the body. Other opioids include opium, heroin, Fentanyl and oxycodone.

Symptoms of Codeine Overdose

According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of a codeine overdose may include:

• Bluish lips or skin
• Change in consciousness
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Constricted, pinpoint, or small pupils
• Decreased awareness or responsiveness
• Extreme sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• Loss of consciousness
• No blood pressure or pulse
• Severe sleepiness
• Slow or irregular heartbeat

Withdrawal Symptoms

Tolerance to codeine occurs when the drug becomes less effective, so the
body needs higher and higher doses to feel the same relief. Severe withdrawal symptoms can result when the medicine is stopped; these include:

• Head and muscle aches
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Codeine Poisoning

Codeine poisoning contributes to both accidental and intentional deaths in the U.S. and abroad. Codeine-containing medicines are often combined with either paracetamol or ibuprofen. Regular use of medicines containing codeine has led to some consumers becoming addicted or tolerant to codeine without realizing it.

Is Codeine Mixed With Other Drugs?

Codeine is often added to painkillers, aspirin, ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to maximize the benefits of both the drugs. The drug is also dangerous when mixed with naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac and others.

1832 – Codeine discovered

Codeine discovered by Pierre Jean Robiquet.

1914 – Congress passes Harrison Narcotics Act

Congress passes the Harrison Narcotics Act, which requires a written prescription for any narcotic. Importers, manufacturers and distributors of narcotics must register with the Treasury Department and pay applicable taxes.

1970 – Congress passes Controlled Substances Act

Congress passes the Controlled Substances Act, which creates a schedule of illicit substances based on their potential for abuse. Heroin is classified as a schedule I drug while other opiates including morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone and methadone are schedule II.

1980 – Letter published in the New England Journal of Medicine

A letter entitled “Addiction Rare in Patients treated with Narcotics” is published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). This was not a study, but rather an exploratory article that examined incidences of addiction among a very specific subset of hospitalized patients. This article would become widely cited as proof that opioids were a safe treatment for chronic pain.

Jul 2015 – FDA warning

July 1, 2015 – FDA warns that it was investigating the potential risks of codeine-containing medicines in children under 18 years because of the potential for serious side effects, including slowed or difficult breathing.

2016 – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes guidelines for prescribing opioids to patients with chronic pain.  Recommendations include prescribing over the counter pain relievers like acetaminophen. Individuals who had previously managed their pain through an opioid prescription were now forced to find alternative methods of treatment, as many doctors would no longer prescribe them.

2017 – President Trump declares national public health emergency

President Trump declares a national public health emergency to combat the opioid crisis, but fails to specify exactly how he plans to deal with the situation.

Jan 2018 – FDA requires labeling changes

January 11, 2018 – FDA requires labeling changes on prescription cough and cold medicines containing codeine to limit the use of these products to adults 18 years and older.