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OxyContin

OxyContin (oxycodone hydrochloride controlled-release) is an opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. What makes OxyContin dangerous, when compared to other drugs that have oxycodone as the main ingredient, is its potency. Because it is a time-released formula, each pill can contain a very high dose of the drug. OxyContin has been linked to hundreds of deaths and carries a high risk of overdose and addiction, and can have dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Dangers of OxyContin

The dangers of OxyContin are multifold. When taken properly, it is a strong narcotic painkiller. It can be very helpful to a small number of people with severe pain. The time release feature means that the effects can last up to 12 hours, so patients do not have to take more pills every three or four hours.

When the pills are chewed or crushed, the time release mechanism is circumvented and the user gets a huge, heroin-like hit of the drug whether it is swallowed, snorted, or injected. The initial danger of taking OxyContin in this manner is the very real risk of overdose and death.

Whether it is taken properly or crushed, OxyContin can be addictive. OxyContin use must be stepped down gradually. Trying to quit cold-turkey can cause dangerous or fatal withdrawal symptoms.

OxyContin and the Law

In 2007, Purdue Pharma L.P., maker of OxyContin, agreed to pay $19.5 million to 26 states and the District of Columbia to settle a lawsuit that alleged the drug maker marketed the drug off-label.

Criminal proceedings against drug makers are very rare, but in 2007 Purdue Pharma's CEO and two of its other executives pleaded guilty to felony charges for their part in trying to covering up the dangers of OxyContin known to the company. Purdue was fined $634 million.

Much of the publicity and action against OxyContin is prompted by its popularity on the black market. Often referred to as "hillbilly heroin", the drug is sold on the streets and blamed for a large portion of recreational drug use and crime throughout the country.

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