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Oxycontin: Miracle and danger in one drug
Posted 3/10/2009 Updated 3/10/2009
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by Maj. Candice Lagasse and Capt. Christopher Baker
21st Medical Group and 21st Staff Judge Advocate
3/10/2009 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Some modern prescribed medications may be considered a miracle drug, but the same medication may also be dangerous if not taken correctly.
Imagine for a moment the cancer patient suffering from excruciating pain. The patient is prescribed Oxycontin from the doctor's office and finds the medication to be a "miracle drug" that relieves the pain when taken twice a day. Unfortunately, the same medication has become a drug of choice for abusers including teenagers, and is dangerous when not used properly.
Oxycontin is a long-acting form of Oxycodone, an opium derivative used to relieve pain. The tablet is designed to be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed. The long-acting property of Oxycontin means that when swallowed whole, the drug is slowly released from the tablet over time allowing a pain sufferer to take the medication only twice a day, but feel pain relief for the entire day.
However, addicts chew, grind up and snort or dissolve the drug in water and inject the Oxycontin to receive the effects of the medication all at once. The effects of one Oxycontin 40 megagram tablet taken in this manner is equivalent to taking eight Percocet at once. The overdose causes the abuser to feel calm, relaxed, "stoned" or euphoric. Oxycontin has serious potential side effects both used as prescribed or inappropriately. Slowed breathing to the point of death is the most hazardous side effect of Oxycontin in a high dosage.
When used appropriately, this is most likely to happen in the elderly, patients with existing breathing problems, and individuals who have not used the drug before. Other side effects include seizures, confusion, coma, clouding of mental functions, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, reduced vision, nausea and vomiting. Injecting Oxycontin can also kill the tissue around the injection site triggering heart and lung problems.
Individuals who take this medication inappropriately gamble with their lives when they are unaware of its side effects, interactions with other substances, or how it affects their existing medical conditions. In fact, Oxycontin 160 megagram was voluntarily removed from the market in 2001, because the effects of one pill on a first time user could result in death.
What should a person do if prescribed Oxycontin?
Let your doctor know about any other medications you may be taking and if you have any breathing problems.
As with all medications, do not share with friends or relatives and lock up any medications that may be abused.
Read any educational material you receive with the medication.
If you have any questions please ask either your health care provider or pharmacist.
In regards to illegal or inappropriate use of Oxycontin, recent reports indicate that non-medical use of Oxycontin is relatively high among teenagers. The misuse of the drug has led to emergency admissions and deaths. As of Feburary 2002, the Drug Enforcement Administration, known as DEA received more than 1,300 reports from medical examiners in 32 states, which listed Oxycontin as a contributing factor of death. Many states have introduced legislation to decrease the illegal use of Oxycontin. Despite increased efforts by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, DEA, and state or local authorities, Oxycontin abuse continues to rise. There is now concern that Oxycontin abuse may succeed crack cocaine.
In addition to the many potential health risks associated with abusing Oxycontin, abusing the drug will also jeopardize an Airmen or personnel's career. Unlawfully using Oxycontin is a violation of Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and carries a maximum punishment of a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for five years. Personnel may also be prosecuted by civilian authorities for unlawfully using Oxycontin. In Colorado, the maximum punishment is confinement for two years and a $100,000 fine.
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