OxyContin Reformulation

Purdue Pharma L.P. has notified the DEA of a new formulation for their OxyContin tablets being released in September 2010. The reformulated OxyContin is intended to prevent the medication from being cut, broken, chewed, crushed or dissolved, all of which are methods used to circumvent the timed-release action of the medication. The change in OxyContin formulation may cause changes in abuse patterns and illegal activities involving this drug and other opioids. Potential consequences of this change in formulation include the following:

• Increase in acute withdrawal episodes, possible resulting in increased emergency room visits


• Increase in pharmacy break-ins and armed robberies in attempt to obtain remaining stock of the current formulation OxyContin


• Increase in individuals seeking treatment for addiction


• Increase in abuse of other drugs such as heroin