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It is known by some as "hillbilly heroin" - OxyContin (oxycodone) abuse has become so extensive in Appalachia that Kentucky officials have sued Purdue Pharma, the manufacturers of the prescription painkiller. The lawsuit was filed by General Greg Stumbo, Kentucky Attorney General. The lawsuit, which aims to recover millions of dollars, is claiming reimbursement for drug abuse program costs, law enforcement and Medicaid prescription payments. The manufacturers say the painkiller's packaging has a clear warning regarding the dangers of abuse - they add that they should not be held responsible for what individuals decide to do. The lawsuit is pursuing unspecified punitive damages, as well as the creation of a court-monitored fund, which the manufacturer should finance. The fund, among other things, would be used to finance programs that would warn users of potential dangers of the painkiller. Many claim that Oxycodone has caused scores of deaths throughout the USA. Intended as a slow-release drug, the rate of the release can be tweaked. Health care professionals say abuse has been substantial in Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky. Several counties are expected to take part in the suit - so far six in Kentucky have agreed to join. Purdue Pharma, plus three former executives had to pay out hundreds of millions of dollars in fines earlier on this year for saying that oxycodone is less addictive than other prescription painkillers.
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