OxyContin, manufactured by Perdue Pharmaceuticals, is a prescription pain killer containing the drug oxycodone, a drug similarly found in Percocet and Percodan. It is a semi-synthetic opiod analgesic used to treat chronic and long-lasting pain. Depending on the dosage, Oxycontin contains between 10 and 160 milligrams of oxycodone and is manufactured as a time release tablet. The drug is prescribed more commonly now to treat pain resulting from injuries, severe arthritis or pain related to cancer.
The pharmacological effects of Oxycontin include euphoria, sedation, analgesia, and respiratory depression. The drug is usually administered orally and has a control-release duration of 8-12 hours.
The Dangers of Oxycontin
In 2001 the FDA required Perdue Pharmaceuticals to include a black box warning concerning the side effects of Oxycontin and addiction. The FDA had also asked Perdue to send letters to health care professionals detailing the dangers of Oxycontin of oxycodone addiction and the necessity to taper the drug to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms in cases of long term use.
In 2003 the FDA issued a warning discussing ads found in medical journals that they believed minimized the risks of Oxycontin and promoted uses considered unsafe. Product liability cases brought against the drug in cases of injury claim that the drug, due to its strength, is unreasonably dangerous and should not currently be on the market.
In recent years Oxycontin has received much attention in the news due to its growing popularity as a treatment for chronic pain and also as a recreational street drug. In many cases the drug is associated with both physical dependence and psychological addiction.
Pharmaceutical Litigation Attorneys at Bailey & Galyen have extensive experience in cases involving injury or wrongful death associated with prescription drugs. Contact us to set an appointment with an attorney to discuss your case.
