As of April 1st a new form of Oxyconitin that is resistant to crushing, dissolving and injecting is being introduced. This will eventually replace the old form of the tablet as pharmacists sell out of their existing stock. Now is an important time to be talking with opiate dependent young people whom you know inject Oxycontin tablets and developing a plan to avoid onset of withdrawal.
Ocycontin is a prescription pain killer (opiate) available illegally, on the street. Some young people take this orally whilst others crush, dissolve in water and inject. The new tablet is designed to make the later difficult and dangerous. Young people who have formed a dependence on the old formula, run the risk of going into unplanned opiate withdrawal or causing serious injury to veins if they try to inject the new formula using their usual method.
Youth AOD workers have a vital role to play in informing and preparing young people for the changes ahead.
For some young people this may be an opportunity to work towards reducing their use or consider opiate replacement therapy such as methadone or buprenorphine. For other young people, stockpiling the current formula and then adapting their injecting practice to avoid new (serious) harms will be the key.
Perhaps most worryingly, early studies in the US where the new Oxycointin formula was released in 2010, suggest that many young people may turn to heroin, an illegal opiate as an alternative.
Anex is currently in the process of developing a harm minimisation resource for the new Oxycontin formula. It is due for release early this week, watch this spot for updates. In the meantime, check out Interim Harm Min Advice the ADFs Product Release Statement, Opiate fast Facts for Workers & 'Hillbilly Heroin' in Australia
