FDA's Latest Opioid Move Aims To 'Reset The Conversation' On Benzodiazepine Combo

Agency says it now has enough scientific data to act on a citizen petition noting increase in overdose deaths from concomitant prescribing of two drug classes.

FDA once again held a press briefing to note a new development in its efforts to tackle opioid problems. The agency announced on Aug. 31 that it is requiring manufacturers to elevate to a black box warning the existing label warning about the risks of concomitant use of certain opioid medications and benzodiazepines.

The risks, which include extreme sleepiness, respiratory depression, coma and death, have long been known, but agency officials said recent...