New Formulation for OxyContin
FDA Patient Safety News: Show #99, June 2010
FDA has approved a new formulation of the controlled-release drug
OxyContin that is designed to be more difficult to manipulate by someone
trying to misuse or abuse the medication. OxyContin tablets contain
the opioid analgesic oxycodone, which is released gradually after the
tablet is swallowed. People intent on abusing the drug have been able
to release more of the medication all at once by crushing or chewing the
tablets, or by dissolving them and injecting the liquid.
The
new formulation makes it more difficult for people to defeat the
controlled-release properties of the drug by cutting or crushing the
tablets. And if someone tries to dissolve the tablets, the result will
be a gummy substance that would be difficult to inject through a
syringe. Although the new formulation may not prevent all abuse of
OxyContin, it is a step in the right direction. The manufacturer will
conduct a study to evaluate how well the new formulation reduces abuse
and misuse of the drug.
Additional Information:
FDA Press Release. FDA Approves New Formulation for OxyContin.
April 5, 2010.
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm207480.htm
FDA Patient Safety News is available at www.fda.gov/psn
