TORONTO, Feb. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Purdue Pharma has been working with
health authorities for almost two years to prepare the way for the
introduction of OxyNEO as a replacement for OxyContinacross Canada. We are aiming to ensure as smooth a transition as
possible, after which OxyContin will be discontinued and replaced with
OxyNEO.
OxyNEO tablets provide the pain relief of OxyContin. But OxyNEO tablets
have different properties. They have been hardened to reduce the risk
of being broken, crushed or chewed. The tablets also become gel-like
when in contact with water.
The restrictions to OxyNEO funding being imposed by some provinces are
surprising. This product was specifically designed to help discourage
misuse and abuse of the medication. Health Canada's Special Advisory
Panel recommended that manufacturers introduce new opioids that are
less crushable and less abusable. OxyNEO is the first of such products
on the market and paradoxically it now faces significant restrictions
for new patients in most provinces. Patients currently being treated
with OxyContin will be "grandfathered" for varying periods of time,
which means they will be allowed to continue therapy with OxyNEO if
their physician decides this is appropriate.
Purdue Canada does not claim that OxyNEO will prevent all tampering for
the purpose of drug diversion, misuse and abuse. However, it is a step
in the right direction. Purdue Canada supports restrictions for strong
opioids in accordance with the Canadian Guideline for Opioid Use for
Chronic Pain as well as careful patient selection. But we are deeply
concerned that decisions to limit access to OxyNEO will compromise
optimal patient care.
About Purdue Pharma Canada
A research-based pharmaceutical company in Pickering, Ontario, Purdue
Pharma (Canada) (www.purdue.ca) is committed to improving patient health and well-being, by developing
innovative medicines and supporting quality education for the safe use
of its products. Purdue is a recognized leader in research and
development of products for the treatment of pain. Its portfolio of
products also includes medication for the treatment of attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), respiratory disease,
gastrointestinal disorders and infection control.