OxyContin Information and Warnings
OxyContin, generic oxycodone hydrocloride, is an opoid agonist manufactured by Purdue Pharma. The drug is a highly addictive pain medication intended for severe cases where no other treatment is available. OxyContin contains the morphine-like narcotic oxycodone, which is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency). Oxycodone is found in other pain medications like Percodan and Tylox, but OxyContin contains a much higher dose in a time-release form.
Significant amounts of OxyContin have been diverted to the illegal narcotics market, where it is known by street names like Hillbilly heroin, Oxy, O.C., Oxycotton, and Killer. The last name is all too accurate in many cases, because OxyContin has been linked to a large number of deaths by overdose.
Illegal drug users crush OxyContin pills and then ingest or snort them and dissolve them in water and inject them. Both crushing and dissolving has the effect of by-passing the time-release mechanism and releasing a much larger dose of oxycodone than intended. This dose is often deadly, particularly if the user has consumed any alcohol.
Risks of overdose and addiction are so high with OxyContin that a Massachusetts state senator Steven Tolman recommended in 2005 that the drug be banned and put in the same classification as heroin. It has been estimated that 19.9 million Americans engage in the illegal abuse of pain killers.
If you or a family member has suffered addiction or overdose from legal OxyContin use or suffered injury by an OxyContin user, you may be able to recover damages. Your first step in this process is to have your case reviewed by an experienced OxyContin lawyer who can explain your rights as it applies to your situation and the value of your claim. To find an OxyContin attorney, see OxyContin Attorneys and Lawyers – How to Hire.
Check out the following articles for more information about OxyContin, filing a OxyContin lawsuit and finding a OxyContin attorney:
Suffered harm from OxyContin? You may have a lawsuit. Click here, for a top rated law firm to evaluate your legal rights. | 
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