Lawsuits against OxyContin owners on hold; judge orders negotiations
A judge has kept lawsuits against OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma and members of the Sackler family who own it on hold until Feb. 1 but ordered the parties to negotiate a new settlement. Connecticut and Washington state argued that suits against the Sacklers should be allowed to move ahead immediately.
Fentanyl overdoses become No. 1 cause of death among US adults, ages 18-45: 'A national emergency'
More adults between 18 and 45 died of fentanyl overdoses in 2020 than COVID-19, motor vehicle accidents, cancer and suicide
US overdose deaths topped 100,000 in a year for 1st time, CDC says
An estimated 100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in one year, topping deaths from car crashes, guns and even flu and pneumonia, CDC data shows.
Fentanyl-induced overdoses increasing, more drugs being laced with it
Drug dealers may be motivated to lace their product with fentanyl because its potency can create stronger addicts, and therefore, loyal customers. It is also cheaper to cut drugs with it.
Deputy suffers fentanyl overdose after exposure to substance on patrol
“If it wasn't for the quick-thinking of his Field Training Officer, Corporal Scott Crane, in administering Naloxone, Deputy Faiivae would not be alive today,” the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said.
New York settles with distribution companies in opioid lawsuit
McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen are the latest to settle in one of the nation's largest opioid lawsuits. The distributors are among a lengthy list of pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers accused of fueling the opioid crisis on Long Island and across the state.
U.S. opioid lawsuits on verge of settlements with 4 companies
The three biggest U.S. drug distribution companies and the drugmaker Johnson & Johnson are on the verge of a $26 billion deal to settle lawsuits brought by state and local governments across the country over the toll of prescription opioids, lawyers suing on behalf of local governments said.
New York signs on to opioid settlement with Purdue Pharma
Attorneys general in 15 states, including New York, announced on Wednesday a $4.5 billion settlement with the maker of OxyContin, Purdue Pharma, and its owner, the Sackler family, for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic.
Jury trial of opioid makers, distributors begins in New York
The lawsuit — filed by Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the New York attorney general — accuses some of the biggest pharmaceutical companies and distributors of fueling the opioid epidemic. The litigation is the first of its kind in the nation in which a jury rather than a judge will decide the outcome.
Nassau County renews fight against opioid crisis
The Nassau County Police Department announced the reengagement of Operation Natalie, which was founded three years ago in honor of Natalie Ciappa, a Massapequa teen who died of an overdose.
CVS sued for ‘role’ in opioid epidemic by Kentucky’s attorney general
Kentucky’s attorney general is coming after CVS, alleging the company played a role in the state’s opioid addiction woes.
Senate confirms Vivek Murthy as US Surgeon General
The Senate confirmed a soft-spoken physician as President Joe Biden's surgeon general Tuesday.
NY state troopers find big stash of fentanyl in car
Police arrested a 39-year-old woman who had several bags of the highly addictive and potentially lethal synthetic drug known as fentanyl inside her car.
DA: Long Island doctor murdered patients by writing prescriptions
A doctor from Long Island is accused of writing prescriptions for opioid addicts that he met in a parking lot, a donut shop, and an empty Radio Shack.
Researchers look at psychedelics to treat addiction and depression
NYU's new Center for Psychedelic Medicine aims to use psychedelics to reduce dependency on alcohol, mitigate major depression, and also ease the anxiety and discomfort associated with terminal illnesses.
TV host Dr. Laura Berman's son dies after apparent overdose
Television therapist Dr. Laura Berman is demanding justice after her son died of an apparent overdose. The grieving family believes her son bought drugs from someone on Snapchat.
Drug cartels adapt to pandemic; use 'coronavirus' as heroin brand, DEA says
Fentanyl, a potent opioid, and meth, a highly addictive street drug, are fueling a national surge in overdose deaths.
Fake business housed industrial-scale meth, fentanyl lab, Mexican officials say
Soldiers and police in Mexico have seized an industrial-scale meth and fentanyl lab that was so big it startled investigators.
Free Narcan available at New Jersey pharmacies for 3 days
The drug, commonly known as Narcan, will be free to residents Thursday through Saturday at more than 300 pharmacies across the state.
Former LA Angels employee charged in connection to fatal fentanyl overdose of Tyler Skaggs
A former Los Angeles Angels employee was charged Friday by federal authorities in Texas for distributing fentanyl in connection to the deadly overdose of pitcher Tyler Skaggs, court documents revealed.