FDA Approves Targiniq ER, An Abuse-Resistant Opioid Pain Medication

On July 23, 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Targiniq ER, an extended-release opioid pain reliever that contains a combination of oxycodone and naloxone. The new agent was designed to deter abuse of the medication by snorting and injection. Naloxone is a medication that is commonly used alone to reverse the effects of opioid overdose; in Targiniq ER the naloxone blocks the euphoric effects of oxycodone. Targiniq ER is intended for people with chronic, severe pain for whom alternative pain management treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient . . .