On April 1st the FDA announced a new ‘tamper proof’ form of prescription opiate Oxycontin, would replace the known formula. Workers throughout the AOD sector have been concerned about what this means for people who inject, snort and smoke the tablets. Early data shows a decline in Ocycontin use but an increase in opiate overdose as people switch to more potent opiates.

Data obtained from the Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) in Sydney's Kings Cross shows less people visiting the centre to inject oxycontin (800 oxycontin injections per week down to just 50) alongside an increase in heroin, morphine and fentanyl use by visitors to the centre since the tamper-resistant oxycontin formula was released.

Perhaps most worrying, the MSIC are reporting an increase in the number of opiate overdoses treated at the centre (from 8.6 per week to 10.1). This has been attributed to the increased risk of overdosing on fentanyl, morphine or heroin as compared to oxycontin.

Whilst all overdoses in the centre have been successfully treated (and no one has died) outside of a supervised injceting environment fentanyl related deaths in Australia are on the rise.

 

MSIC are advocating for a policy approach that reduced the overall harms of opiate injection

The patent for tamper proof Oxycontin is due to run out in late July, creating potential for the old formula to return to pharmacies and the streets. The makers of the new drug, citing a reduction in illicit use, are calling on the federal Health Department to block the sale of injectable oxycodone in Australia.

MSIC, whilst encouraged by a reduction in oxycontin use are advocating for a policy approach that reduced the overall harms of opiate injection including the harms of switching to more potent forms. 

 You can read MSICs full report here  plus catch up on the background info and harm reduction tips for oxycontin.