Once and for all, is the original oxycontin still being made?
Question posted by Anonymous on 31 March 2011
Last updated on 25 August 2019 by PM MD
Answers
There are two companies: Mundipharma and NAPP Pharmaceuticals (also Sandoz makes generic oxycodone HCL ER). These companies make OxyContin “so called old formula” in these dosages - 10,20,30,40,60,80,120MG. I am concerned about why so many people are taking the old formulation tablets while the new formulation is much safer and sure you can’t make powder out of it, well that’s the whole point.
I am aware to the best of my knowledge that residents of those countries have access to for personal use if prescribed.
In addition, if I write monthly script and my patient goes to UK and stay there over 25 days, he is allowed to fill his prescription with whatever OxyContin they have available in their legal Rx establishments, if he or she will receive “old formula” rather than Tamper Resistant Formula that being made by Purdue Pharma LLC in the US, I am not concerned as 30 days is not a big deal, and I strictly monitor the use of oxycodone in my patients.
But to answer it shortly, YES IT IS STILL BEING MADE AND SADLY BEING SOLD ON THE BLACK MARKET IN ONLINE PHARMACIES TO THE US.
Dear Buzzlessbee
I'm not sure what you are referring to when you ask about the "original" OxyContin. The drug was first approved by the FDA and made available for prescription back in 1996 or '97, and yes, to this day it is still available, both in its brand-name as well as in generic formats. However, the 160mg tablet was pulled from the market several years ago - even though it is still referenced on numerous sites, including this one - but all other strengths, up to and including the 80mg tablet, are available.
If, by "original", you are referring to the drug's formulation, then I guess the only potential difference would depend on whether one obtains the brand-name or the generic equivalent - the generic's buffer is likely somewhat different than that of the brand-name's. Otherwise, both formats deliver a time-released quantity of oxycodone (an opium alkaloid derivative called thebain) over a 12-hour period. OxyContin doesn’t contain aspirin or acetaminophen, unlike other immediate-release formulations of oxycodone (like Percodan, Percocet, or Tylox, to name a few). Of course, neither do the generic equivalents for OxyContin.
I think this will have answered your question. If not, let me know, but just give me a few more details as to what you mean by "original".
Regards,
Duckworthy
Dear Buzzlebee,
I stand incorrect with my previous response to you, and I apologize. While much of the information I provided remains true, I actually just noticed something while Googling that I had heard about previously but apparantly forgotten (I actually stopped taking OxyContin last March, in favor of the dose equivalency of good, plain-old, inexpenseive morphine sulfate).
The formulation of OxyContin was changed this past summer (2010) with the introduction of a newly-designed polymer, on which the oxycodone resides. This new polymer apparantly causes the pill to be extremely difficult to crush, as well as heat.
When I wrote my original response to you, I was under the impression that Purdue Pharma had done something to its formulation a decade ago to make it more difficult to extract the oxycodone for abusive purposes. However, since I'm no longer having the drug precribed, I haven't followed the recent news on the subject.
Again, I apologize for the mis-information I gave you in my first response.
Regards,
Duckworthy
thank you so much! yes, I was talking about the formulation change... I can't believe how much clearer my mind is after only 2 days on Morphine Sulfate, I asked my Dr to try something different 3 years ago and he wouldn't. I wonder why? I even asked to be put into detox I was feeling so bad, his only answer was to taper off, like I could feel any worse at work. Or do the internal pump, and that isn't going to happen. I'm going to make sure I am doing so much better then I want to let him know just how much better my life could have been if he had done this in 2008, so maybe someone else won't be treated this same way.
Since 2010 Purdue Pharma reformulated the oxycontin to curb the abuse. Lucky for me, I used to get 150 80mg a month and im still stocked up after all these years because I badically slowed down/quit. Only those who stocked up/saved em will have the original formula!!
Averagejoe13- I have been desperately trying to get information regarding the new formula versus the old formula. You seem as if you have extensive knowledge as you used to be prescribed to the old formula. I realize this post is old but I am hoping you could help answer some questions I have in regard to your own experience. Thank you.
Averagejoe13- I have been desperately trying to get information regarding the new formula versus the old formula. You seem as if you have extensive knowledge as you used to be prescribed to the old formula. I realize this post is old but I am hoping you could help answer some questions I have in regard to your own experience. Thank you.
@AverageJoe13 I find it pretty hard to fathom that anyone would be prescribed five 80's per day...
In 2010 Purdue Pharmacy changed the formula of a Oxycontin "OC's" making them time-released prior "OP's" making for the biggest tragedy of this century.
Well I'm here to tell you that I know for 100% that in wv,D.C,and Florida that there was doctors writing scripts of oxytocin 80mg 4 to 6 tablets a day for pain and I know some that was getting 20mg tablets as well for breakthrough pain...
Related topics
Further information
- OxyContin uses and safety info
- OxyContin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of OxyContin (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
