The federal government is refusing to interfere in the drug approval process to halt the highly addictive generic form of OxyContin, despite worry from pharmacists and doctors.
OxyContin has been off the market since the drug company replaced the pill with OxyNeo. OxyNeo is said to be more difficult to break up and abuse.
In 2011, Edmonton saw at least 31 pharmaceutical robberies with OxyContin being the main target for thieves.
“We had a series of break-ins, just like a lot of pharmacies did. So, we sort of adopted the policy and we communicated it to our patients that we are no longer going to be carrying any of the OxyContin products in any masses,” said local pharmacy owner Darrin Berlin adding, “If they require it, what we ask them to do is call two days ahead, that way we can order it in, it’ll come in and it’ll leave the same day.”
The patent for the brand name OxyContin expires on November 25, opening the door for generic oxycodone to win approval in Canada.
On Monday, federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq made it clear that federal laws don’t allow regulators to simply ban a drug just because some people abuse the medication.
“The law does not permit approval to be withheld on the basis of misuse,” she said.
This has left many pharmacists and doctors worried that another spike in robberies may be on the way.
The Pain Society of Alberta is among those speaking out. The group of 300 health care providers says the generic product will once again lead to abuse.
“Since the introduction of OxyNeo into the North American market, there has been a sharp decline in oxycodone abuse and diversion. Furthermore, there has been a decrease in criminal behaviour including pharmacy robberies. It is clear that OxyNeo is less desirable for opioid dependent individuals because of its tamper resistant coating and its property of forming a gel when exposed to liquid,” the organization said in a media release Wednesday.
Berlin says whether the generic version is approved or not, he will stick with his current procedures. Customers will still be required to call two days in advance to fill these prescriptions.
With files from Kendra Slugoski, Global News and The Canadian Press.
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