DeLauro Calls for Stronger Regulation of Pain Medications

Reacts to new FDA regulations that exempt over-the-counter medications

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) released the following statement today in reaction to the FDA’s decision to more strictly regulate prescription drugs containing acetaminophen, a component of many of commonly-prescribed pain medications such as Percocet and Vicodin. The new regulations will be implemented over the next three years, but will not apply to over-the-counter medications, such as Extra Strength Tylenol.

“While I am pleased that the FDA has taken action to address the dangers of acetaminophen overdoses, the agency’s decision falls short of what is needed. A year and a half has passed since an internal advisory panel recommended a ban on all drugs that combine acetaminophen with narcotics. These regulations do nothing to address the high-dose over-the-counter medications that millions of Americans consume each year, potentially putting their lives in danger. It is the FDA’s responsibility to protect the American public, and I hope that they will consider stronger action on this critical issue going forward.”