OxyContin

OxyContin is an opioid painkiller which is twice effective as morphine. Initially OxyContin was prescribed to the patients suffering from the cancer pain. Soon, Oxycodone was widely prescribed as a narcotic pain reliever. Currently, it is available in the market in different formulations like Percocet, Roxicodone, Percodan, Toxicet and Tylox. Like other opioids, OxyContin are associated with risks of overdose, addiction and even death.

OxyContin Hazardous Effects

Millions of people across the world suffer from pain caused due to variety of ailments and illnesses.  According to the World Health Organization, since 1986, there has been insufficient treatment of non cancer and cancer pain .Therefore in 1996, in light of this information, the United States, Food and Drug Administration approved a new pain reliever known as OxyContin. OxyContin is the market name of Oxycodone, an effective narcotic drug to reduce the pain. The potency of this drug is twice that of morphine. By 2001, OxyContin was one of the most popular and widely recommended narcotic pain reliever prescribed by doctors.

OxyContin was initially prescribed to alleviate the pain of the patients suffering from cancer. It gradually releases Oxycodone, thus patients take it twice a day for steady relief. OxyContin reduces the pain of cancer patients by attaching itself to specific known as opioid receptors. These opioid receptors are found in the spinal cord, brain and gastrointestinal tract. Due to the effectiveness of his drug, if excessive Oxycodone is released from the pill at once, there is a high risk for fatal dosage of the drug.

Following are the Pharmacological effects of OxyContin:

• Feeling of relaxation
• Constipation
• Suppression of cough
• Euphoria
• Anxiolysis
• Miosis
• Respiratory depression

Adverse side effects of OxyContin and opioid agonists include the following:

• Respiratory depressions
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Central nervous system

Additionally, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), states that the abuse of OxyContin can cause serious complications like overdose and addiction including death. According to the FDA, due to the dangers related to the OxyContin, it is classified as schedule II controlled substance in the Controlled Substance Act of 1970. It is because of the high potency of the drug may lead to physical or psychological dependence.

In 2000, there were reports of illegal and improper use of OxyContin. There were reports of serious side effects including deaths. OxyContin, like any other prescribed narcotic drug is associated with the risk of abuse and dependency. As it is largely prescribed to millions of cancer patients, it is almost impossible to monitor the use of OxyContin.

OxyContin was initially approved to alleviate the acute cancer pain among cancer patients, however, it was prescribed widely for the treatment of mild to severe non cancerous pain. The FDA is worried about the fact that OxyContin is prescribed by healthcare professionals who are improperly trained in pain management. FDA cited Purdue Pharmaceuticals twice for issuing misleading information in the advertisements of the medical journals as it violated the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Therefore FDA has taken legal action against Purdue Pharmaceuticals. Purdue’s deceptive and aggressive advertising campaigns show the casual attitude of Purdue Pharmaceuticals.

In order to address the issue of OxyContin abuse, Congressional hearings were organized in December 2001 and February 2002. FDA along with Purdue Pharmaceuticals, dealt with the problems related to the use and abuse of OxyContin. In July 2001, due to the dangers associated with the use of OxyContin, FDA issued Black Box Warning against OxyContin. Black Box Warning is the harshest warning issued by FDA for any drug.

In order to educate and inform the doctors and healthcare professionals about the side effects of OxyContin, Purdue Pharmaceuticals started program. They issued warning letters to the doctors in the form of “Dear Healthcare Professional”. This letter informs the doctor about the use and misuse of OxyContin and restates the significance of necessity and carefulness while prescribing the drug. “Dear Healthcare Professional” letter was circulated widely to the pharmacists, physicians and doctors in an effort to prevent the dangers caused by the consumption of OxyContin.

FDA continually monitors the use and abuse of OxyContin. It is working with drug manufacturers and federal agencies to make sure that OxyContin is used in an appropriate way and is available to those who need it. If used properly, OxyContin is an effective drug used to reduce the chronic pain among cancer patients.