DeWine has Purdue Pharma statement

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COLUMBUS — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine issued the following statement following Purdue Pharma’s announcement that the company intends to cease marketing opioids to doctors:

“Purdue Pharma‘s announcement that they will no longer send out sales reps to promote OxyContin to doctors is a victory for everyone, but it’s too little, too late. It is a decision that should have been made years ago and should be now made by all other makers of opioid pain medications.

“Purdue Pharma and other makers of opioid pain medications fundamentally changed the prescribing culture of doctors in this country, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and billions of dollars in economic costs. They have an obligation to now re-educate the American public and the medical community about the real dangers of these drugs.

“And, while we are happy they are stopping the lies, it is simply not enough to stop what they were doing. Purdue Pharma needs to actively work to undo the damage they have done. If they are truly serious about this, they could lead the way in cleaning up the mess they created and pay their fair share to fund desperately needed treatment, prevention education, naloxone, and expansion of the foster care system.

“Now is the time to step up to the plate, do what’s right, and take responsibility for their actions once and for all.”