American Morning
Study: Plavix warning may not be necessary – one doctor explains why and what to do if you take the drug
Today, an AM housecall that affects 40 million Americans. That's how many take Plavix, the anti-clotting drug used to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Almost two years ago, the Food and Drug Administration slapped it with its strongest black-box warning. But now, a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association says that warning might not be necessary.
Today on American Morning, Dr. Ajay Kirtane, cardiologist at New York Presbyterian hospital and Columbia University Medical Center, explains why the warning may no longer be necessary.
In Depth: The black market for prescription drugs
On American Morning this morning we're continuing CNN's In Depth look at our use of drugs and medication in the U.S.
Today, we're taking a closer look at the black market for prescription drugs. It's a billion-dollar business, and both dealers and addicts will do anything to get their hands on them. Some 1800 pharmacies have been robbed over the last three years across the country because the street value of these drugs is so high.
See the chart below, as reported by CNN's Poppy Harlow and CNNMoney.com:
Oxycontin – could get $50 to $80 on the street, vs. $6 when sold legally
Oxycodone – could get $12 to $40 on the street, vs. $6 when sold legally
Hydrocodone – could get $5 to $20 on the street vs. $1.50 when sold legally
Percocet pill – could get $10 to $15 on the street vs. $6 when sold legally
Vicodin – could get $5 to $25 on the street vs. $1.50 when sold legally
This morning, pharmacist and executive committee member of the National Community Pharmacists Association Keith Hodges speaks with AM's Kiran Chetry. He's had to beef up security at his pharmacy, after a number of attempted break ins. He'll talk about how big a problem this is for him and other pharmacists across the country.
About this Show
Welcome to the American Morning blog where you can get daily news updates from American Morning's reporters and producers. Join us for "the most news in the morning," weekdays from 6-9 a.m. ET, only on CNN.
