The Role of Big Pharma in the Hydrocodone Crisis

MAHIMA BHAT –

The opioid crisis has devastated millions of lives across the United States, with hydrocodone playing a central role in this ongoing epidemic. As one of the most commonly prescribed opioid painkillers, hydrocodone was marketed as an effective and relatively safe solution for pain management. However, its addictive properties and widespread availability fueled one of the deadliest drug crises in modern history.

Increase in Hydrocodone Prescriptions

Hydrocodone, a semi-synthetic opioid, was introduced to the pharmaceutical market in the 1970s. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, opioid pain relievers were being prescribed at unprecedented rates. This surge in prescriptions was due to aggressive marketing campaigns led by pharmaceutical companies, which downplayed the risks of addiction. Companies such as Purdue Pharma, Johnson & Johnson, and Teva Pharmaceuticals profited immensely by pushing the narrative that chronic pain requires long-term opioid treatment. Purdue Pharma, in particular, promoted the use of opioids through misleading advertisements, incentivizing doctors to prescribe medications such as OxyContin and hydrocodone-based products.

One of the most appalling actions taken by pharmaceutical companies was the downplaying of opioid addiction risks. Internal documents and lawsuits have revealed that executives were aware of the addictive potential of opioids but chose to prioritize profit over public health. Companies falsely claimed that only a small percentage of patients prescribed opioids would become addicted, contradicting scientific evidence and real-world outcomes. This misrepresentation led to a dramatic increase in opioid prescriptions, particularly in low-income and rural communities. As patients developed dependencies, many turned to illicit sources such as heroin and fentanyl when prescriptions were no longer available, further exacerbating the crisis.

How Big Pharma Profited from the Crisis

Hydrocodone became one of the most prescribed pain medications in the country, leading to an oversupply that fed both legal and illegal markets. Some pharmaceutical companies even funded lobbying efforts to weaken regulations on opioid prescription. They pressured doctors and medical associations to continue promoting opioid use despite mounting evidence of its dangers. Meanwhile, communities most affected by opioid addiction had existing unemployment, crime, and public health crises as addiction continued to increase.

Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, filed for bankruptcy in 2019 as part of a settlement agreement with multiple states. The company was ordered to pay billions in damages, though many argue this does little to repair the harm inflicted on families and communities. Johnson & Johnson and other major drug manufacturers have also been forced to pay settlements, yet many believe these penalties are insufficient given the scale of the damage caused. While some executives have faced scrutiny, criminal accountability remains rare in the pharmaceutical industry.

Addressing the EpidemicStricter regulations on opioid prescribing, increased funding for addiction treatment programs, and more oversight of pharmaceutical companies are critical to preventing future crises. Public awareness campaigns must also play a role in educating both doctors and patients on the risks of opioid use. The rise of alternative pain management strategies, such as physical therapy and non-opioid medications, provides hope for a future where opioid dependence is no longer the standard treatment for pain relief. Additionally, holding Big Pharma accountable and implementing stricter policies can help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Pharmaceutical companies, driven by profit, misled the public and medical professionals about the risks of opioid addiction, leading to widespread dependency and suffering. While legal actions have held some corporations accountable, real change requires continued regulatory oversight, investment in addiction recovery programs, and public education on safer pain management alternatives.

Copy Editor: Anaghah Sanikapally

Photography Source: https://lwp.georgetown.edu/visitingscholars/wcp-profiting-from-the-working-class-how-the-opioid-epidemic-echoes-the-mortgage-crisis/