OxyContin

OxyContin (the brand name for oxycodone hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used for pain relief. Most commonly, it’s used to help patients with serious, long-term pain, such as that related to cancer, arthritis, broken bones, and other serious injuries. Unfortunately, OxyContin has also been widely abused and connected to 282 deaths, many a result of overdose (according to the Drug Enforcement Agency's numbers).

 

Derived from an opium alkaloid, OxyContin shares some properties with opium, morphine, and heroin. A strong sedative, it can alleviate pain, produce feelings of euphoria, and is highly addictive. OxyContin is also relatively inexpensive and many insurance companies pay for the prescription, something that can encourage fraud. Patients may fake injuries and doctors and pharmacists may order or fill illegitimate prescriptions for bribes. OxyContin is also sold on the streets.

 

By subverting the drug’s time-release mechanism, recreational users endanger their safety. The quick 'high' can lead to serious health consequences, including death. When OxyContin is used in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs, risk increases.

 

Some have pointed to Purdue Pharma, OxyContin's manufacturer, as being complicit in the problem. They argue that Purdue has placed too much emphasis on marketing their drug and not enough on educating doctors and the public about OxyContin's addictive potential.

 

If you, or a loved one, have been injured by OxyContin, please contact us today.