These lawsuits are quite different than the other class action lawsuits across the country in that it is going after the FDA, rather than just trying to get a payout from big Pharma.

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Tens of millions aren't losers or genetically predisposed to opiate addiction.

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Many thousands don't even get meaningful pain relief vs. NSAIDs (like me) --that isn't evidence the drugs are ineffective at dulling pain. Many thousands apparently are, though, and since they become unable to keep their addiction *their* problem, it becomes *my* problem.

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An awful lot of the last crop of heroin addicts died from overdose, AIDS, hepatitis, or suicide (I include death by exposure while homeless in this set). Others are probably still in prison. A small percentage overcame addiction with outside intervention of various sorts. A small percentage of those have not relapsed.

Gastrointestinal issues.
One of the most prevalent side effects of opioid usage is constipation. In fact, studies have shown that 40%-45% of those on opiate therapy suffer from it.[2] But it’s not the only gastrointestinal trouble caused by opioids; it’s only one of the symptoms categorized under the title “opioid-induced bowel dysfunction,” which also includes abdominal cramping, spasm and bloating, among others.[3] But constipation is often considered one of the worst, since it’s often unmanageable with OTC treatments like stool softeners and laxatives. 2 In addition to bowel-related disorders, opioids can also cause nausea in 25% of people.

Sleep-related breathing problems.
Abnormal breathing while asleep is a concerning issue for those on opioids, especially those on high doses. In fact, in a small study, 92% of patients on a dose of more than 200 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) a day experienced ataxic or irregular breathing, compared to 61% of people taking less than 200 mg and 5% of people not taking opioids.[4]

Cardiovascular issues.
Long-term opioid use, when compared with NSAIDs, has been shown in some studies to pose an increased risk for events such as myocardial infarction and heart failure.[2][5] This is especially true for those taking codeine for more than 180 days.

Hyperalgesia.
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is another possible outcome for patients on long-term opioid therapy. In cases of OIH, the patient actually becomes increasingly sensitive to pain. Although it’s not clear how prevalent OIH is, it can certainly cause some unwanted effects, including extreme acute pain after surgery and escalating opioid dosages.[6]

Increased risk of fractures.
Opioid use is associated with an increased risk of fractures, especially among the elderly population. The theory behind this is that opioids affect the central nervous system, causing such symptoms as dizziness and reduced alertness. [2][7] This, in turn, can result in falls. Elderly patients taking more than 50 MME a day have recently been found to be at double the risk of fracture among the elderly population, with a yearly fracture rate of 9.95%.[2]

Hormone problems.
Chronic opioid therapy can also have an impact on the endocrine system, causing hormone changes in both men and women. For men, this manifests as hypogonadism, which causes a decrease in the production of sex hormones, particularly testosterone, as well as erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, fatigue and even hot flashes. In women, opioids can cause a decrease in the levels of estrogen in the body, in addition to low follicle-stimulating hormone and increased prolactin. Combined, these changes can lead to osteoporosis, inappropriate milk production and light or infrequent periods.[2]

Depression.
Patients on opioid therapy for long periods have an increased likelihood of developing depression. In one study, 38% of people on long-term opioids had at least moderate depression. [2][9] Furthermore, other opioid side effects, like intractable constipation, can lead to or worsen depression. [2]