Drug Sales Suspended Due to Potential Fatal Mix

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government ordered a halt to sales of the potent narcotic Palladone Wednesday, citing potentially fatal reactions when the drug is taken with alcohol.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Palladone just last September. It is a once-a-day version of the old painkiller hydromorphone, made in a way that allows the capsules to dissolve slowly.

But data from a new study by the drug’s manufacturer showed that taking Palladone with alcohol could harm the capsule’s slow-release function, rapidly dumping the narcotic into the bloodstream and potentially causing a fatal overdose, the FDA said.

Maker Purdue Pharma agreed to suspend U.S. sales pending further discussions with the FDA about the risk, the agency said.