Across the country, the abuse of a powerful painkiller is spreading and pharmacists and doctors are concerned.
The painkiller
OxyContin gives patients relief, but abusers are going to great lengths to steal it and sell it on the streets.
News Specialist Jed boal has the story.
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Manufacturer: Purdue Pharma
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Oxycontin is a powerful Schedule II opioid hailed as a miracle painkiller for cancer and chronic-pain patients.
Oxycontin is also the latest fad drug in several eastern states and blamed for dozens of overdoses. In Kentucky, West Virginia and Ohio it's been dubbed "Hillbilly Heroin."
Jim Jorgenson/University Hopsital Director of Pharmacy Services: "THERE'S SOME CONCERN THAT IN SOME PARTS OF THE COUNTRY THIS HAS REPLACED METHAMPHETAMINE AND COCAINE AS THE DRUG OF CHOICE ON THE STREET."
Jim Jorgenson is the Director of Pharmacy Services at the University Hospital.
He says doctors and pharmacists here are concerned about patient access for the drug--for many patients with extreme pain OxyContin is the only drug that works.
Jim Jorgenson/University Hopsital Director of Pharmacy Services: "WE HAVE SEEN SOME PATIENTS HERE AT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, AND I KNOW THERE HAVE BEEN SOME INSTANCES IN UTAH, BUT, IT'S NOT NEAR THE DEGREE THAT IT IS BACK EAST RIGHT NOW."
This is an Oxycontin armed robbery at a Florida pharmacy yesterday. Such robberies are regular in some eastern communities.
Police are concerned and pushing for restrictions.
Six pharmacies in Virginia will fingerprint patients to deter prescription forgery.
Several states are discussing an outright ban.
Jorgenson and several other colleagues at the University oppose such restrictions.
Jim Jorgenson/University Hopsital Director of Pharmacy Services: "IT WOULD BE A DETRIMENT TO A LOT OF PATEIENTS WHO RECEIVE A LEGITIMATE BENEFIT FROM THIS MEDICATION."
Jed Boal/Eyewitness News: "ONE REASON THE DRUG ABUSERS HAVE FOCUSED ON OXYCONTIN, IS THAT IT'S A TIME-RELEASED FORMULA. WHEN THE ABUSERS CRUSH IT, THEY GET THAT ENTIRE DOSE IMMEDIATELY."
Utah pharmacists do not want patients to be frightened by stories of abuse.
Oxycontin is safe and effective when used under the direction of a physician.
As for law enforcement, the DEA is bracing for the arrival of abuse and keeping a close eye on Oxycontin.
The FDA is convening an advisory panel to study possible further restrictions on the medication.
--July 11, 2001--
