Local officials have made it clear that the Uintah Basin is affected by the opioid crisis just like other counties in the state. In response, the state of Utah has announced a major lawsuit against the opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma. Attorney General Sean Reyes made the announcement last week saying that the company violated state law in their prescription of opioids, including OxyContin. Rural counties have been among the hardest hit communities in America when it comes to the scourge of opioid addiction. The lawsuit is seeking significant penalties from Purdue Pharma alleging that the company failed to disclose the risk of addiction to opioids, falsely claimed that doctors and patients could increase dosages without risk, and made false, unsubstantiated representations about ‘pseudoaddiction.’ “Purdue Pharma manufactured one of the deadliest combinations in the history of our nation — OxyContin and lies,” says Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes. “That lethal cocktail has led to a national public health crisis of epic proportions.” The lawsuit adds to the momentum of an aggressive multi-state investigation.
