The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a new campaign, “Prescribe with Confidence: Patients with Opioid Use Disorder Need You,” aimed at empowering primary care providers to better recognize and treat opioid use disorder (OUD). With over 6 million Americans aged 12 or older suffering from OUD, many of whom lack access to specialized care, the initiative stresses the importance of primary care in managing this treatable chronic condition. FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf highlights the role of primary care providers in diagnosing and treating OUD, comparing it to managing other chronic illnesses like diabetes or hypertension. The campaign emphasizes that medication-assisted treatment is highly effective and more accessible than many providers realize. To support healthcare professionals, the FDA offers a range of free training, mentoring, and resources to aid in the prescription of medications for OUD, underlining that such treatments are life-saving.

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