This week, Montana Attorney General Tim Fox joined in sending a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration urging it to require manufacturers of generic prescription pain relievers to develop tamper-resistant versions of their products.

"We know that almost 8% of Montana's young people between the ages of 12 and 17 reported using prescription pain killers recently for non-medical reasons," said Attorney General's Office spokeswoman, Anastasia Burton. "We also know that often times, these drugs come from the medicine cabinet's of family or friends and not from dealers on the street. So asking the FDA to set some clear abuse deterrent guidelines for generic opioids is a step in the right direction."

As the holidays get underway, Burton said that it is an especially important time for families to keep close tabs on their prescription drugs

"Now that the holiday season is here, many of us are expecting guests in our home and it would be a perfect time to go through your medicine cabinet, see what you have in there that's old, that's outdated, that you don't use anymore, and take it to your local drop box location," Burton said. "In Missoula, there's one at your local police department."

Fox and 41 other attorney's general from various states and territories sent the tamper resistant lid request letter Monday, December 16.

 

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