The FDA approves a new hydrocodone tablet designed to help cut down on abuse.
Hydrocodone — best known by the brand name Vicodin — is a powerful opioid painkiller that has been tied to a surge in addictions.
The FDA approved the Hysingla ER tablet.
It is an extended-released tablet to treat pain severe enough to require daily round-the-clock long-term opioid treatment that can’t be eased by other pain medications.
The agency says the tablet is difficult to crush, break or dissolve — making it tougher for abusers to snort or inject it.
In other health news…
The CDC says the flu season is underway — even if it is off to a slow start.
The agency says over the past two years, flu season began in December.
More than one-hundred thirty million doses of vaccine will be available this year.
The CDC recommends anyone over six months old get vaccinated.
There are several forms of the vaccine — either injections, nasal spray and high-dose versions for people over 65.
Check with your doctor to see what’s best for you.
