OxyContin fact 1: Produced by Purdue Pharma, was first introduced in 1996 (approved by the FDA in 1995).

 

OxyContin fact 2: Barely by 2001, it became the best selling non-generic opiate painkiller on the market.

 

OxyContin fact 3: Many controversies and lawsuits have sprung from this company, because of their known "hard pressing" of the prescription of the drug and distribution. 

 

OxyContin fact 4: The main ingredient in OxyContin is oxycodone HCL and doesn't contain any acetaminophen (tylenol) or the like, which makes it so desirable.

 

OxyContin fact 5: Peak plasma concentration with OxyContin, when taken whole as prescribed is about 3 hours, in comparison to 1 hour with regular instant release oxycodone.

 

OxyContin fact 6: If taken whole, OxyContin lasts up to 12 hours, and is usually prescribed twice daily, along with a breakthrough pain medication. 

 

OxyContin fact 7: In the USA, it's available in 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60, and 80mg formulations, the 60/80 available only in opiate tolerant patients. 

 

OxyContin fact 8: OxyContin used to also be prescribed in a 160mg dose, but was pulled by Purdue because of its abuse potential, but this did little in reality as ~1% of all prescribed OC was the 160mg formulation.

 

OxyContin fact 9: OxyContin is just as euphoric and addictive as any other opiate, and isn't "less addictive" because of the time-release formulation.

 

OxyContin fact 10: Some side effects: constipation, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, clammy hands, constricted pupils, and euphoria. 

 

OxyContin fact 11: Withdrawal from OxyContin symptoms include: anxiety, pain, insomnia, vomiting, strong flu-like symptoms, excessive eye watering, excessive sneezing, "creepy crawly skin", dialated pupils, and craving for the drug.

 

OxyContin fact 12: Female subjects have, on average, plasma oxycodone concentrations up to 25% higher then males on a body weight adjusted basis. The reason for this diffrence is unknown.

 

OxyContin fact 13: The time release mechanism is within the binders and fillers of the pill- just removing the coating isn't removing the time release. 

 

OxyContin fact 14: Snorting the colored pill coating will not give one "a headache" or such, it's not desirable, but its the same as snorting bigger chunks of pill.

 

OxyContin fact 13: OxyContin abuse costs Americans over $484 billion annually. This figure includes healthcare costs (and abuses of that system), lost job wages, traffic accidents, crime and the associated criminal justice system costs.