New Version of Drug Harder to Use But Addicts Persevere
OxyContin was designed to help patients with cancer and those with unrelenting pain. The drug was created to gradually release oxycodone, its active ingredient, over 12-hours. After its release in 1996 it was quickly abused by drug addicts who discovered that by chewing a tablet or crumbling it up to snort its powder, it gave an instant pick me up, much like that of heroin.
The drug has since been faulted for a ripple of addictions in specific areas of the United States and has also been the cause of many death-related overdoses. OxyContin's maker, Purdue Pharma, might have succeeded recently in reducing demand due to their reformulation. The pills are now harder to crush and turn into a sticky substance that can't be snorted, chewed or injected as easily. Users have not been detoured though, as the reformulation of OxyContin has appeared to have driven up demand for other narcotics.
Pills made with pure oxycodone continue to be in demand, coming in a dosage of 30-milligram tablets and are often referred to as Perc 30s or Roxies on the street. Prices vary but they are generally sold for about $20 to $30 each for one 30-milligram tablet according to the New York Times.
Purdue Pharma remains optimistic that its new reformulation will continue to discourage substance abuse. Studies will continue to be conducted on the new drugs susceptibility to abuse.