DESCRIPTION: Stadol is a synthetic opiate, a powerful narcotic potentially addictive and is subject to abuse. From its introduction in 1992 to 1997, the Federal Government chose not to regulate it under the Controlled Substances Act, which in and of itself led physicians and users to believe there is little risk of addiction. But through the mid 1990's there was growing evidence, including several deaths, that Stadol does in fact present real dangers to its users. Finally, in 1997, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced it its plan to regulate Stadol. Various states attempted to regulate Stadol sales, and in many states, each attempt to introduce legislation was thwarted by pharmaceutical industry lobbyists, for several years.

Stadol nasal spray, manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb company was introduced to the market in 1992. One spray of Stadol is equivalent to 37.5 mg of Demerol. They originally promoted eighteen sprays a day as safe and effective to treat migraine pain. When Bristol-Myer Squibb won FDA approval to sell Stadol NS, it stated that it would not be used chronically, meaning for prolonged or repetitive use. Nevertheless, immediately upon its approval, the company marketed the drug aggressively for migraines, which is frequently a chronic problem requiring repetitive use. The extent of the problem is staggering. As of 1997, there had been forty-one Stadol-related deaths reported to the FDA, along with 8,000 adverse reaction and addiction reports. Since then, there have been many more reports and the problem of addiction continues, although now it is an addiction to a controlled Schedule IV drug.

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