15 Jun 10 New Formulation for OxyContin (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.

Tags: medication, misuse-or-abuse, new-formulation, oxycontin