On Monday, January 28, 2013, U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) sent FDA Commissioner, Dr. Margaret Hamburg, a letter urging immediate action on the recent recommendations of the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee (DSaRM) regarding the prescription of hydrocodone combination drugs, like Vicodin and Lortab. During a two-day public meeting held by the FDA, which took place January 24- 25, a number of scientific studies highlighted the risks of hydrocodone combination drugs. At the conclusion of the meeting, DSaRM members voted to recommend tighter restrictions on those prescriptions.

“Due in part to their widespread availability, hydrocodone combination drugs remain some of the most frequently abused prescriptions,” stated Rogers, co-founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. “Unfortunately, countless families across the nation have experienced the devastation caused by abuse of drugs like these hydro-combo pills. With the recent recommendation of the FDA Advisory Panel, Commissioner Hamburg has an opportunity to make a positive impact in our Nation’s struggle against prescription drug abuse, and I encourage her to use her full authority to place additional restrictions on the prescription of hydro-combo drugs.”

Rogers joined with former Representative Mary Bono Mack to form the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse in 2009. Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visithttp://halrogers.house.gov/ or follow Rogers on Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/RepHalRogers or on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/#!/CongressmanHalRogers.

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