Ratings & Reviews

OxyContin is an opioid analgesic that is generally prescribed for the relief of moderate to severe pain.  The drug works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.  OxyContin is manufactured by Purdue Pharma and was approved by the FDA in 1995.

The most common side effects of OxyContin include memory loss, constipation, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headache, dry mouth, pruritis (the desire to scratch), excessive sweating, loss of appetite, nervousness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, inability to urinate and shortness of breath.  In rare cases, OxyContin can cause impotence, enlargement of the prostate gland and decreased testosterone production.

One concern with OxyContin is its potential for addiction.  This risk is so severe, that the FDA required Purdue Pharma to add a block box warning to OxyContin labeling in 2001.  The FDA also required Purdue Pharma to advise health care professionals of the dangers of OxyContin, the risk of addiction and the need to gradually reduce dosages to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.  Although Purdue Pharma complied with the FDA’s mandate, in 2003, the FDA discovered that several OxyContin advertisements omitted or minimized the risks of using OxyContin.  The FDA also noted that the advertisements promoted uses that were unsafe and ineffective.  Purdue Pharma was ordered to publicize the dangers of OxyContin, warn of the risk of severe withdrawal and warn of the potential for abuse and addiction.