One tablet of OxyContin has enough Oxycodone to last all day. OxyContin has a special coating, which controls the dissolution of the tablet  in the stomach and allows a continual, steady release of the drug over a 12 hour period. OxyContin has been hailed as a miracle drug for those patients with intractable pain.

So why are people dying?

Five milligrams of OxyContin has the same active ingredients as one Percocet. Taking one single 80 milligram OxyContin tablet in ANY manner other than in its coated time-release form is like taking 16 Percocets all at once. When taken with other depressants - like alcohol - the likely result is the death of the user. The drug slows the respiratory system to the point of unconsciousness.  Breathing decreases - then stops.

The total number of deaths linked directly to OxyContin abuse is still not tallied and more deaths are happening daily.  It is believed that the number of deaths in the U.S. for the year 2000, that are attributable to the abuse of this drug, will be over 700.

The lethal, illegal distribution of OxyContin, as stated by  Andrew E. Demarest,
Senior Deputy Attorney General, State of PA, "typically involves the following criminal activity: 

• A doctor who fraudulently prescribes OxyContin to abusers for money.

• A pharmacist who illegally fills an abuser’s prescription, or who forges prescriptions for abusers.

• Abusers who steal prescription pads, and then write their own forged prescriptions.

• Dealers, or abusers themselves, who burglarize pharmacies."

OxyContin, is a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant derived from Opium. It is available by prescription to patients, such as those with cancer, who are terminal and in severe pain.  On the street,  OxyContin is also called “Hillbilly heroin”. Legitimate sales of  OxyContin  for 2001, reached $1,485,970,400. Law enforcement officials have no idea how much more the figure was for illegitimate or street sales in 2001. 

Some measures are belatedly being taken to stop this epidemic of Oxycontin addiction, crime and death.  Six states are now preventing Medicaid recipients from receiving the drug so easily. Florida and Kentucky have filed criminal charges against doctors who prescribed fatal doses of Oxycontin. The FDA has forced the manufacturer to change Oxycontin's labeling to a "black box" type (generally used for the most dangerous and addictive drugs).

If you, or someone you know, are addicted to Oxycontin, contact your physician immediately for treatment.  Do not try to detoxify yourself without medical help.  Withdrawal may cause death.  OxyContin may cause death or permanent damage if not taken as prescribed. DO NOT CHEW or CRUSH OxyContin, as it is a time-released medication. 

If someone you know was taking Oxycontin and died, you may have a legal wrongful death claim.

Special Note:  Prior to accepting an insurance settlement in a case of Oxycontin injury or death, it is wise to speak with a personal injury lawyer to evaluate your situation and to ensure that your interests are protected.  Most personal injury attorneys provide free initial consultations and most will only be paid if you win your case and receive a judgment. Most frequently, personal injury attorneys will receive a percentage of the settlement awarded to you. Legal advice can save you time, trouble and money and can insure that you are treated fairly.

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