Pain Killer : A "Wonder" Drug's Trail of Addiction and Death
Author: Barry Meier
List Price: $24.95
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ISBN: 1579546382
Publisher: Rodale Press (17 October, 2003)
Sales Rank: 38,415
Average Customer Rating: 3.62 out of 5
Customer Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5
Powerful Book
"Pain Killer" is a great read. It follows the downfall of a beautiful, affluent cheerleader who becomes totally consumed by OxyContin. Yet it's also an investigative book that shows how the company turns a blind eye to the devestating abuse. And it shows what's going on behind closed doors at the government agencies in charge. The book has it all: a muckraking probe as well as moving stories from doctors and counselors trying to do something about the drug that is ravaging their community. At the same time, I came away convinced of the importance of a drug like OxyContin--if it is properly controlled--for patients suffering from horrible chronic pain.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Must read for Victims of Cancer Pain
Although a section concerning pre-90's events was slow going (why it's a 4 & not a 5 star), this was a do-not-put-down-until-finished book for me. I wish we had read this book last August. The very first question we asked the oncologist was "is Oxcontin addictive?" -- Response "no" -- WRONG - as Meier reports, even the medically-intended patient can become addicted. Meier also points out the danger of mixing anti-depressents and Oxcontin -- perhaps the oncologist should have read this book since an anti-depressent was prescribed to simulate chemo-affected appetite (fortunately we have moral objections to anti-depressents & it was never taken). Repeatedly throughout his sensitive handling of the need for pain relief by cancer patients, Meier reminds the reader that other non-narcotics should be used first -- and that does not mean going from Advil to Oxy! Unfortunately the oxcontin was no more effective than the over-the-counter asprin, perhaps not all patients can digest either the wax or the acrylic shield, yet Purdue seems to have ignored that possibility in their agressive marketing while so brainwashing cancer care doctors that only increased amounts of their money maker are offered. This is an excellent exposure of the marketing ploys used by drug companies, Purdue is not alone, with the resulting cost to all of us in both higher prescription bills, addition and the fight against it. Reading Pain Killer should make you think twice the next time you see a TV ad for a prescription drug.
Rating: 1 out of 5
Typical biased attitude...
As one who lives in constant chronic pain, I can speak for how Oxycontin has SAVED my life. I agree with most of the reviews before me, but I do have to add a few things.
I absolutely find it completely UNFATHOMABLE that anyone will put a pill in their mouth and not question what it is. IF these folks are all so "ignerent" then the problem is with the educational system. Look, I went to high school back in 1976 and guess what? They TAUGHT me about drugs. I'm not sure what I was supposed to learn from this book, but it wasn't anything more than the rehash of big businebbss against the "ignerent" folk. I did have to ask myself,
Why isn't this book about "Paint Sniffing: How Dutch Boy refused to stop making paint to save our society" because basically the assumption here is that there was some kind of cover up... which is complete bull. There is no way that an educated person could EVER claim that ANY OPIOID wouldn't be addictive. It's preposterous for a doctor to claim otherwise... I'm only high school educated, and I knew it the day my doctor prescribed it. The fact that it takes a triplicate prescription to get it LEGALLY should be some indication! Similar Products
Prescription Drug Addiction: The Hidden Epidemic
Swallowing a Bitter Pill: How Prescription and Over-The-Counter Drug Abuse Is Ruining Lives - My Story
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