Information
July 2004
Misuse and abuse of Oxycodone-based prescription drugs
Oxycodone is a narcotic frequently used as a pain reliever for the treatment of moderate to severe
short-term and long-term pain as well as palliative care for the terminally ill. It produces an opiate-like
effect similar to morphine in all aspects including its abuse and dependence.
Oxycodone has been available for many years in combination with acetaminophen or ASA in the short
acting pain reliever commonly known as Percocet® (generic names are Endocet® and Oxycocet®) or Percodan® (generic
names are Endodan® and Oxycodan®). The amount of oxycodone present in these short acting pain relievers
ranges from 2.5mg to 5mg per tablet.
In recent years, another short acting oxycodone tablet was introduced to the market under the brand
name Supeudol® and Oxy IR®, containing 5, 10, or 20mg of oxycodone per tablet. A long acting dosage
form of oxycodone has also been introduced to the market which contains between 10mg and 80mg of
oxycodone per tablet. This long acting tablet marketed under the brand name OxyContin®, is formulated
to release oxycodone over a long period of time. However, when crushed or chewed and either inhaled
by the nose, injected or swallowed, the oxycodone will be released and absorbed rapidly producing
a heroin-like effect euphoria. For this reason, OxyContin is often referred to as "Hillbilly heroin".
When oxycodone-based prescription drugs are taken as directed by a physician for a short period
of time, most patients will not develop a dependency for the product. However, similar to other opioids,
misuse and abuse can easily lead to dependence and tolerance to oxycodone, requiring more frequent
and higher doses.
Health Canada is aware of increasing concerns about the possible misuse and abuse of oxycodone-based
products in Canada, particularly in Atlantic Canada.
Health Canada has met with key Atlantic stakeholders including the provincial ministries of Health
and licensing authorities for pharmacists and physicians to discuss their concerns about the prescribing
and usage of controlled substances, especially oxycodone. As a result of the consultations, Health
Canada was encouraged to undertake a review of all sales transactions of oxycodone-based products
in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
To date, Health Canada has received only estimates regarding the volume of prescriptions of oxycodone-based
products in Atlantic Canada. As a first step, this review will help establish important data for
a number of key indicators, including prescription volumes for specific brand names and strengths.
Although the most explicit concerns about the possible abuse and misuse of oxycodone-based products
have been voiced in Atlantic Canada, the analysis from the current review will provide knowledge
that could be helpful to other jurisdictions.
Health Canada has established a federal, provincial and territorial committee to discuss issues
including the abuse of narcotics, controlled substances, alcohol and prescription drugs. Health Canada
will continue to work with these jurisdictions and other stakeholders to address issues associated
with substance abuse.
Need More Information?
Canadians are encouraged to speak to a health care provider if they have questions about prescription
drugs and substance abuse. Canadians can also visit the following sites for more information:
|
