Oxycontin Information

OxyContin is one of several opium derivatives available by prescription. It is a high potency pain killer that comes in time release tablets that last for 12 hours. When used as prescribed it helps cancer patients and chronic pain sufferers manage their pain.

OxyContin is a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which includes legal drugs that are subject to the maximum amount of government control and regulation. The FDA approved OxyContin in 1995 and Purdue Pharma introduced the drug in 1996.

Oxycodone is a white, odorless crystalline powder derived from the opium alkaloid. Oxycodone hydrochloride dissolves in water (1 g in 6 to 7 mL). It is slightly soluble in alcohol (octanol water partition coefficient 0.7). The tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: ammonio methacrylate copolymer, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, povidone, red iron oxide (20 mg strength tablet only), stearyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide, triacetin, yellow iron oxide (40 mg strength tablet only), and other ingredients.

OxyContin is a very strong narcotic pain reliever similar to morphine. It is designed so that the Oxycodone is slowly released over time, allowing it to be used twice daily. You should never break, chew, or crush the OxyContin tablet since this causes a large amount of Oxycodone to be released from the tablet all at once, potentially resulting in a dangerous or fatal drug overdose. The time-release, long lasting, formula was designed to deter abuse. In 2001, OxyContin was the number one opioid painkiller sold and in 2000, over 6.5 million prescriptions were written.

Summary of Medical Examiner Reports on Oxycodone-Related Deaths
Preface: The following is a summary of an ongoing study of medical examiner data regarding OxyContin® that is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).The DEA wrote letters to 775 medical examiners (MEs) from the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) requesting their reports (autopsy, toxicology, and ME investigative reports) on all deaths induced by, associated with, or related to oxycodone and/or, specifically, the oxycodone product, OxyContin® for 2000 and 2001. Based on the criteria described below, the reports received were categorized into four groups: 1) OxyContin® verified deaths; 2) OxyContin® likely deaths; 3) undetermined deaths; and 4) incomplete reports.
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New Rules Governing Internet Pharmacies Go Into Effect Next Week
APR 13 -- (Washington, DC)- New Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations implementing the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 go into effect Monday, April 13. These regulations will help to prevent the illegal diversion of powerful controlled substances by means of the Internet. Such medications can cause harm to consumers for whom they were not intended. The Interim Final Rule was published in the Federal Register this week, and the public has 60 days from its publication date to submit comments to the DEA.
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OxyContin is back in the news, and some would limit its availability...
September 9, 2003 First, for the News: There was a period of time when you couldn't watch a news broadcast or visit a news website without hearing or reading something about the issues associated with OxyContin®, it's abuse, and related issues. For many months, it seemed that all the controversy had died down. Actually, that wasn't the case, but it seemed to have lost it's charm in the media -- temporarily. Recently, it's back in the news, and the news is mixed for legitimate patients with chronic pain.
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The OxyContin 'Conspiracy' -- Is $700 Million Enough?
The OxyContin 'Conspiracy' -- Is $700 Million Enough? Some Experts Say Punishment Excessive, but Others Cite Gross Abuse of Medical System.Many doctors across the country are angry over what they consider an inadequate $700 million fine for the maker of OxyContin.
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