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Pill Fight

Unfortunately, Purdue Pharma did not plead guilty to the charges; their shell affiliate Purdue Frederick did [News, "Pain Killed," Jeff Deeney, May 17, 2007]. Purdue Pharma is still able to charge the federal government hundreds of millions of dollars a year for Medicaid and Medicare patients. So, a convicted criminal corporation can still fleece the federal government because they had the fortitude to set up a shell company that took the fall for them.

Marianne Skolek
Whitehouse Station, NJ

The story also prompted a heated discussion on our Web site:

While I feel a great deal of compassion for [Ed] Bisch's loss of his son, I sincerely doubt that his son was prescribed OxyContin by a physician. And I also doubt that he was told to crush it and snort it so he could get high. There are a lot of powerful medications out there that can kill you if you don't follow a doctor's instruction. There is one person responsible for Eddie Bisch's death � and that is Eddie Bisch. Very sad but true. Kids do stupid things. Things in our society will never change until parents begin to get back to basics and hold themselves and their children accountable for their own behavior � and not blame everyone else. Anyone ever ask Mr. Bisch why his 18-year-old son was such a heavy partier?

"Neilbuckmeyer"

It is obvious that you do not have a clue what you are talking about. My 23 year-old-son was prescribed Oxy by his doctor after two surgeries from two car accidents that were not his fault. The doctor just kept giving him Oxy and after he figured out that my son was hooked, he dumped him. You should do some more research about this nasty drug before you post such an inconsiderate comment.

"Lynn"

Education is there for everyone, including you, Mr. Buckmeyer. Oxys are and have been prescribed in cases that do not warrant them. Even taking this med as prescribed, you can and will become addicted.

You are right � kids make mistakes (but so do adults!). They should not have to die from addiction for making a mistake! As for me taking responsibility, I am angry that you would assume that I didn't teach my child the basics � be good to others, treat with kindness, don't do drugs, drive with a seat belt, obey the laws. I have to watch my son and my family suffer because unsympathetic persons like yourself refuse to believe that mistakes can happen. May God never show you the pain of addiction; no one deserves this!

"Liisa"

I pray for you, Mr. Buckmeyer, that you never, ever have to deal with addiction. Do not judge me until you have walked even a half a mile in my shoes.

"Joan"

Addiction is not a consequence of properly prescribed and taken OxyContin, and other strong narcotics. Physical dependence may be present, but with a proper taper schedule, it is minimal at worst. It is not Purdue Pharma's fault that people abused its medication. OxyContin abuse is exactly what it is, abuse. Purdue Pharma should not be held accountable for that, just as gun manufacturers are not held accountable for gun homicides. Addiction and the deaths from it are unfortunate. But, they are part of human nature. We, as humans, have taken drugs in one form or another about as long as we've been on this planet. Purdue Pharma should be held accountable for not disclosing its addiction potential and for marketing it for non-severe pain. Now, they have finally answered for that, what more do you want?

"Realist"

The fact is, Neil, such a heavy painkiller was so easily available on the street for my normal experimenting teenage son to get due to the admitted lies of Purdue. I also have thousands of e-mails from patients who got hooked after being prescribed it due to the admitted false claims of Purdue. Of course, it is always the patient's fault, right? A powerful painkiller like OxyContin needs to be properly classified for SEVERE PAIN ONLY and restricted properly; if not for Purdue's lies, it would have been.

"Ebisch"