A DEA (U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency) report, "Summary of Medical Examiner Reports on Oxycodone-Related Deaths," has confirmed that the earlier figures of deaths caused by OxyContin® were incorrect, confirming my earlier assertion that, in many cases, while death could be attributed to oxycodone, the oxycodone could not be shown to have come from OxyContin®. There are 59 drugs available in the United States that contain oxycodone. Of 803 medical examiner reports submitted to the FDA, OxyContin® could be verified in 117 of them, roughly 15%. The report also states, "More than 40% contained a benzodiazepine (Valium-like drugs), approximately 40% contained an opiate in addition to oxycodone; about 30% contained an antidepressant; about 14% contained over-the-counter antihistamines or cold medications; about 15% contained cocaine or its metabolites; and approximately 20% were alcohol positive." This speaks directly to our previous statement that many oxycodone-related deaths are actually polypharmacy deaths, deaths where more than one drug is involved.1
The last time we took a look at the controversy surrounding OxyContin®, I asked three questions:
- OxyContin®: What's the REAL Issue?
- Does the "Oxy" controversy endanger the rights of legitimate patients?
- Who do you think is most responsible for OxyContin® abuse?
The MAGNUM article answers the first two questions. Below a graph that shows who our readers think is most responsible for When we add together just the first two responses, "Abusers" and "Problem Exaggerated," we have 74% of the respondents. These figures clearly support what MAGNUM, the advocacy groups they're working with, and I have been saying: This is NOT a medical problem. It IS a law enforcement problem.
We conducted a poll on this web site, asking participants, "Who do YOU think is responsible for OxyContin® abuse?" Here are the results:
- Abusers: 59%
- The problem is exaggerated: 15%
- Criminals/Drug Pushers: 8%
- The Media: 7%
- The US Government (FDA, etc.): 5%
- Doctors: 4%
- Purdue Pharma, the Manufacturer of OxyContin: 1$
- Society: 1%
- The Abusers' Families: 0%
We will be watching this issue very, very
closely to ensure that the needs and rights of patients are not compromised.
There may come a time when each of us needs to act by contacting our
governmental representatives. Should that occur, we will be sure to let you
know and tell you how each of us can make our voices heard.
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Resources:
1 FDA Report: Summary of Medical Examiner Reports on Oxycodone-Related Deaths
2 About Headaches/Migraine Poll: OxyContin®: What's the REAL Issue?
