How America Got Addicted to OxyContin

Heath Ledger had just completed his Oscar-winning performance as The Joker in The Dark Knight when he was tragically found unresponsive in his Los Angeles apartment in 2008. The cause of death? Acute intoxication from a combination of powerful painkillers, including oxycodone—commonly known by its brand name, OxyContin. Ledger’s untimely death is a stark reminder of a growing crisis that has plagued America for decades.

Sadly, his story isn’t uncommon.

The Rising Tide of Opioid Addiction

Since 1999, over 200,000 Americans have lost their lives to overdoses related to OxyContin and other prescription opioids. In 2016 alone, 42,249 people died from opioid-related drug overdoses in the United States, surpassing even the number of deaths linked to breast cancer. As the cost and accessibility of prescription painkillers have become increasingly prohibitive, many addicts have turned to more affordable and accessible alternatives like heroin. Alarmingly, four out of five people who try heroin today report that their addiction began with prescription painkillers.

Which raises the question: if this drug is dangerous, how did it become so insanely popular?

Types of Opioid Painkillers

OxyContin is just one of many powerful opioid painkillers that have contributed to the epidemic of addiction and overdose in the United States. These drugs are often prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain but come with a high risk of dependency and abuse. Some of the most commonly prescribed opioids include:

• Fentanyl (Duragesic): A synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine, often prescribed for severe pain, particularly in cancer patients.
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin): A widely used painkiller that is commonly prescribed for pain after surgery or injury.
• Hydromorphone (Dilaudid): Another potent opioid, used for severe pain that requires continuous management.
• Morphine (MS Contin): A classic opioid used for pain relief in various medical settings, including post-operative and palliative care.
• Oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin): A potent painkiller that has been at the center of the opioid crisis due to its high potential for addiction.
• Propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet): An opioid that was once widely prescribed but has since been withdrawn from the market due to safety concerns.

OxyContin’s Introduction as a Medical Marvel or a Recipe for Disaster

When OxyContin was introduced in 1995, it was hailed as a breakthrough in pain management. Purdue Pharma, the pharmaceutical company behind OxyContin, marketed it as a long-lasting solution for patients suffering from moderate to severe pain. The drug’s release was met with widespread acclaim, and Purdue Pharma reaped enormous financial rewards, reportedly generating $35 billion in revenue. The Sackler family, owners of Purdue, became one of the wealthiest families in the United States, with a collective net worth of $13 billion.

However, beneath the surface, OxyContin was more than just a pain reliever; it was a highly addictive substance. The drug’s sole active ingredient, oxycodone, is a chemical cousin of heroin and up to twice as potent as morphine. Initially, many doctors were hesitant to prescribe such a strong opioid. But Purdue Pharma had a plan to change that.

The Aggressive Marketing Campaign That Fueled an Epidemic

Purdue Pharma’s aggressive marketing strategy played a significant role in the widespread adoption of OxyContin. The company organized pain-management and speaker-training conferences, attended by thousands of healthcare professionals. Many of these professionals were recruited to join Purdue’s speakers’ bureau, further spreading the company’s message. Purdue also incentivized its pharmaceutical representatives with bonuses, encouraging them to push OxyContin sales to levels that often exceeded their annual salaries.

As a result, OxyContin prescriptions skyrocketed, and with them, the rate of opioid addiction. The drug’s addictive potential quickly became apparent as more and more Americans fell victim to its powerful effects.

Prescriber Negligence in Opioid Abuse

While OxyContin was aggressively marketed, the role of healthcare providers in the opioid crisis cannot be overlooked. Prescriber negligence has been a significant factor in the widespread abuse of opioids. Many general practitioners and non-specialist physicians lack the training or experience to safely prescribe these powerful drugs. In some cases, doctors have prescribed opioids for conditions that do not warrant such strong medication, or they have prescribed incorrect dosages or the wrong type of opioid altogether.

Studies have shown that prescribers who do not specialize in pain management often make dosing errors, which can have disastrous consequences for patients. When such prescription errors lead to harm, the medical professionals involved may be found medically negligent, further contributing to the opioid epidemic.

Medical Conditions Caused by Opioid Abuse

Opioid painkillers are effective at managing pain, but their use can lead to serious health problems over time, particularly when used in high doses or for prolonged periods. Some of the medical conditions associated with long-term opioid use include:

• Androgen Deficiency: Opioids can inhibit the production of androgen, a hormone necessary for proper sexual functioning, leading to a condition known as opioid-induced androgen deficiency.
• Adrenal Insufficiency: Opioids can disrupt the adrenal glands’ ability to produce cortisol, a hormone that regulates cardiovascular function, blood pressure, and metabolism. This can lead to adrenal insufficiency, which is characterized by fatigue, weakness, and weight loss.
• Respiratory Depression: One of the most dangerous effects of opioids is respiratory depression, where the drugs suppress the brain’s mechanism that controls breathing. This can cause breathing to slow or stop, potentially leading to death.
• Serotonin Syndrome: Opioids can increase serotonin levels in the body, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms can range from shivering and diarrhea to seizures and muscle rigidity.

Patients attempting to stop an opioid regimen may experience painful and difficult withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, switching opioid medications (a process known as opioid rotation) can come with its own set of complications, making it crucial for patients to be under careful medical supervision during the process.

Legal Battles and Holding Purdue Pharma Accountable

As the death toll from OxyContin-related overdoses grew, the Department of Justice intervened. In 2007, Purdue Pharma was charged with misbranding OxyContin’s abuse potential. The company pleaded guilty and paid over $600 million in fines, while three of its executives faced criminal charges.

The legal challenges didn’t stop there. Massachusetts has since sued Purdue Pharma and members of the Sackler family, accusing them of violating the state’s consumer protection laws. The lawsuit alleges that Purdue continued to assure doctors that OxyContin had a low risk of misuse, despite knowing otherwise. Attorney General Maura Healey, who filed the lawsuit, asserts that the company “created the epidemic and profited from it through a web of illegal deceit.” Purdue Pharma, however, denies the charges.

Seeking Justice With Casey Law Offices S.C.

At Casey Law Offices, S.C., we are deeply committed to standing up for individuals who have been harmed by dangerous drugs like OxyContin. If you or a loved one has suffered harmful side effects from a prescribed opioid, our experienced Wisconsin personal injury attorneys are here to help. We understand the devastating impact that opioid addiction can have on individuals and families, and we are dedicated to pursuing justice on your behalf.

Contact us today at (414) 272-5564 or online for a free consultation. Let us evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.