NCJ Number
203602
Date Published
October 2003
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This document presents facts about the medical and non-medical uses of OxyContin, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) national action plan to reduce the diversion and abuse of OxyContin.
Abstract
OxyContin is a form of the Schedule II oxycodone. It is manufactured by Purdue Pharma in a controlled release tablet form for oral ingestion. OxyContin is highly addictive and the controlled release tablet form is easily manipulated into a single-dose, powerful morphine-like drug. Statistics are offered on the incidence of the non-medical use of OxyContin from 1999 through 2002 and emergency department mentions of single-entity Oxycodone use from 1996 through 2002. In both cases, the incidence of Oxycodone abuse has risen significantly, particularly during 2001 and 2002. Next, the DEA’s national action plan to prevent the diversion and abuse of OxyContin is presented. Enforcement and intelligence operations have been coordinated between Federal, State, and local agencies to target individuals and organizations involved in the diversion and abuse of OxyContin. The DEA will work closely with the FDA to urge Purdue Pharma to reformulate OxyContin to reduce its abuse, especially by injection. The DEA will also encourage the voluntary participation of all leaders in the industry to help curb abuse of OxyContin. Finally, an aggressive national outreach and education campaign will inform the public, schools, and the healthcare industry about the dangers of OxyContin abuse. The publication is presented in bulleted format. Tables