FDA Looks at Opioid Safety Program Amid Spike in Overdoses

The FDA is exploring ways to bring consistency to the opioid safety training that drugmakers must provide for prescribers as the opioid overdose epidemic continues to ravage the nation.

The FDA announced Wednesday plans to hold a two-day public workshop next month to reconsider its drug safety program known as Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for opioids.

Under the REMS program for opioids, companies that make these painkillers must provide unrestricted grants to continuing education providers.

Although there are education programs encouraging safe and effective opioid analgesic prescribing practices, there is no consistent education required for all ...