Legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40) in New Jersey requiring prescription opioid medications to include a warning
sticker advising patients of the risk of addiction and overdose has passed the
New Jersey Senate.
“New Jerseyans who are prescribed opioid
medications should be aware of the potential dangers every time they reach for
the bottle,” Corrado said. “The unprecedented rise in opioid deaths proves that
we must do more to combat the addiction crisis. The bill we passed today is a
simple step, but it will save countless lives.”
Corrado’s bipartisan bill, S-2244/A-3292,
would require any prescription opioid medication dispensed in the State of New
Jersey to include a warning sticker describing the risks of opioid medications.
Opioids that would qualify for a label under the bill include codeine,
hydrocodone (Vicodin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol) and
oxycodone (OxyContin).
The warning sticker would be red in color
with text printed in a black font that is large enough to be easily and clearly
readable.
New Jersey has had a 40 percent increase
in drug-related death in 2016. The rise in deaths is consistent with a national
trend. More than 64,000 people died nationally of drug-related causes in 2016 –
the most in recorded history.
“Clear safety warnings will clarify vital
information and increase a patient’s understanding of the risks associated with
opioids,” Corrado added. “Similar to warning labels on cigarettes and alcohol,
labels on opioids will serve as a consistent reminder of the potential dangers
of abusing prescription medication. This simple sticker will play an essential
role in our ongoing efforts to end New Jersey’s opioid epidemic.”