Wolf urges FDA to approve tamper-resistant opioids

(Harrrisburg) — Governor Wolf is calling on the federal Food and Drug Administration to quickly approve generic prescription drugs that may help slow the opioid epidemic.

In a letter to the commissioner of the agency, Wolf says the FDA should okay generic versions of opioids that are harder to crush or dissolve.

The FDA has authorized a limited number of these products, which are known as “abuse-deterrent drugs.”

Wolf is also supporting legislation that would require insurance companies that provide coverage for opioids to also cover the tamper-resistant formulations, which are generally more expensive.

The move is part of a broader effort to slow the opioid crisis.

More than 3,400 people died from drug overdoses in Pennsylvania last year, up from about 2,500 a year earlier.