Launched by Purdue Pharma in the USA in the mid 90’s. Approved in Sweden around the turn of the millennium.The active substance, oxycodone hydrochloride, is a synthetic opioid like morphine, tramadol and heroin.Its long-acting effect (continet), the manufacturer said, would make the drug less addictive and more difficult to abuse.Caused widespread opioid abuse around the United States. Has been pointed out by several authorities as the root cause of the opioid epidemic.An estimated 500,000 Americans have died from opioid overdoses since 1999.Several Oxycontin addicts have switched to the cheaper heroin option. Reports show that four out of five heroin addicts in the United States have a history of drug abuse.Purdue Pharma has been forced to pay billions in settlements and damages and has admitted several crimes in connection with the launch of Oxycontin. Other pharmaceutical manufacturers that manufacture oxycodone preparations have also been forced to pay large damages.Sources: CDC, FDA, HHS, DOJ, Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking, FASS and others.
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