Pharmacy Robberies, Patient Care & Public Health
Health Canada approved a new formulation of controlled-release oxycodone, OxyNEO, earlier this year. The way in which its predecessor, OxyContin, was formulated contributed to significant abuse potential, as the tablets could be crushed then either snorted or injected. Both Canada and the US have experienced significant abuse problems related to OxyContin. Prior to the release of the new more tamper-proof product, many Canadian pharmacies were limiting their stock of OxyContin if they carried it at all.
News reports over the last few years have indicated an alarming increase in pharmacy robberies, and very often OxyContin was the target. A recent news report suggests the availability of the new alternative OxyNEO has significantly decreased pharmacy robberies in the Ottawa area (where CPhA is based).
Is this a simple cause and effect relationship? It is an intriguing question whether this is due to the lack of appeal of OxyNEO amongst abusers, or whether it is due to pharmacies no longer carrying large quantities of the older drug.
Regardless, it appears that police chiefs are rightfully concerned that the November 25th patent expiration of the older formulation OxyContin, and the imminent release of much cheaper, generic formulations will not only encourage the continued abuse of this drug but actually intensify the problem. Given the recent policy changes to generic drug pricing, generic controlled-release oxycodone will be priced between 25% and 35% of the brand product. The lower price and resulting removal of a financial barrier could negate any positive effect from the introduction of OxyNEO.
Public sentiment on this very controversial subject is mixed. Some feel the past history with this drug and its abuse potential are reason enough to limit its availability, and support several provinces in their decision to not cover it in drug benefit plans. Those who advocate for patients who use the drug legitimately for treating severe pain are adamant that restricting access to a potentially useful analgesic is questionable public policy. As we watch public policy related to this issue evolve, it is apparent that difficult decisions will have to be made to balance the goals of patient care and public health.
See also OxyContin Discontinued – Resources for Managing Patient Therapy.
Thanks for joining us,
Phil Emberley,
Director, Pharmacy Innovation
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- October 20, 2012, 4:36 AM
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Oxycodone is an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.Thanks for this information..
- October 23, 2012, 7:11 AM
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- October 26, 2012, 7:49 AM
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Really such a useful information regarding patient care and public health..The patient care is the most important thing
- November 21, 2012, 2:50 AM
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- Elmer Kuber
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I beg to differ. This is not a balance of the the goals of patient care and public health.Oxyneo covers the pain relief just as well therapeutically. This is a balance between patient safety (patients crushing tablets and overdosing), Pharmacist safety (robberies) and economics (cost of generic vs neo). The extra cost of the neo well offsets the extra lives that will be lost if this is approved. The pharmacy where I work was held up once for oxycontin even though we had large signs stating we had none in stock. I was wondering where CPhA was on this issue. It is heartwarming to know that you will keep "monitoring" the situation. Once the generic is reinstated, we will call you after the next robbery if we survive it.
- December 6, 2012, 8:51 PM
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drug abuse has become very common these days, we should find some remedy for this to improve our society and for its well being. And I must also agree that this is a wonderful blog here. It is indeed very informative and a well maintained blog.
- January 30, 2013, 12:57 AM
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Thanks, everyone, for your comments. It's always good to hear what our readers think.
- January 30, 2013, 9:21 AM
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Any type of robbery is bad and nothing to smile about
- February 15, 2013, 2:06 PM
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I'm not sure the drug is to blame for the robberies - thieves will take anything
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