Publications > Informational Brochures > Working to Prevent the Diversion and Abuse of OxyContin

Working to Prevent the Diversion 
and Abuse of Oxycontin

Background

In recent months, concern has grown among federal, state, and local officials about the dramatic increase in the illicit availability and abuse of the prescription drug OxyContin®

(The controlled release form of oxycodone)

In response, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated a comprehensive effort in February 2001 to prevent the diversion of OxyContin® and reverse this trend.

OxyContin® is legitimately used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is fast becoming the drug of choice for pain management with sales reaching more than $ one billion.

OxyContin® is available in 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 milligram doses.

Abusers can easily compromise the controlled release formulation for a powerful morphine-like high.

• Fraudulent prescriptions
   
• Doctor shopping
   
• Over-prescribing
   
• Pharmacy theft
   
• Organized rings of individuals diverting and selling OxyContin®
   
• Foreign diversion and smuggling into the U.S.

While the diversion and abuse of OxyContin® appear to be concentrated in rural areas of the eastern United States, there are growing problems throughout the nation.

Criminal activities resulting from the abuse of OxyContin® are challenging local law enforcement and health care system resources. Property and other crimes related to OxyContin® addiction have been reported to have increased as much as 75 percent.

To ensure that the legitimate users of OxyContin® continue to receive their medication while reducing its diversion and abuse

Focus existing resources on investigations of illicit sales and abuse of OxyContin®

• Investigate pharmacy thefts with other law enforcement agencies
   
• Identify large volume purchasers
   
• Participate in Healthcare Fraud Working Groups
   
• Work with international organizations

• Utilize the full range of DEA’s authority to restrict abuser access to OxyContin®
• Work closely with the FDA urging reformulation to reduce abuse potential

• Encourage Purdue Pharma to develop a balanced market strategy
• Solicit support in providing educational programs

• Increase awareness among:
   
  • The Healthcare Industry
     
  • Other Government Agencies
     
  • The General Public
     
• Seek the medical community’s input on ways to lessen and prevent diversion of OxyContin®
   
• Meet with major private and government insurance carriers
   
• Develop resources for use by other agencies in alerting practitioners to the problem

For more information:

Please contact your nearest DEA office
Or
Visit one of our Internet Web Sites:
www.DEAdiversion.usdoj.gov 
Or 
www.dea.gov
Presented as a public service by:
Drug Enforcement Administration
Office of Diversion Control
Washington, D.C. 20537

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