FDA head addresses opioid epidemic in West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The head of the FDA, the administration that approves all drugs Americans can take, came to Charleston Tuesday to hear more about the problems caused by prescription painkillers.

A panel of state leaders and doctors welcomed Dr. Robert Califf for a roundtable discussion focused on opioid abuse.

U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., has long said the Food and Drug Administration needs to do more to stop the problem at the source.

He's proposing that the FDA include in its mission, the public health impact of the nation's opioid epidemic when approving and regulating opioid medications.

Senator Manchin also wants to hold the FDA accountable for approving dangerous and highly addictive opioids by requiring that the agency seek the advice of an advisory committee and provide justification to Congress when they approve an opioid against the advice of those experts.

"Why do you think this needs to be done when the professionals say this doesn't need to be on the market?" Manchin said. "Why are we putting so many new products on the market?"

Manchin and experts agree with implementing more education measures for prescribers.

Experts also addressed the issue of treatment for opioid addicts. They say treatment is oftentimes not enough because post-recovery patients struggle to find housing or jobs due to criminal records.

Studies have proven a lack of housing or jobs creates a vicious cycle as people try to stay sober.