Ontario Proposes Regulations to Limit Access to Generic OxyContin: Your Comments Before Dec.24, 2012 at 5 P.M. EST

This video presents “OXY “:

“Oxycontin Concerns
- Ontario’s Health Minister Deb Matthews is “profoundly disappointed” with the federal government’s decision to refuse to stop the generic form of oxycontin pills from entering the market
- But as CTV’s Cristina Howorun tells us Canada’s Health Minister says there’s nothing she can do about it“
- This video was published on Nov 20, 2012, by CTV London

Ontario Proposes Regulations to Limit Access to Generic OxyContin Unless It is Tamper-Resistant

OxyContin is the brand name of Oxycodone which is an active ingredient in highly addictive analgesic medications for the relief of moderate to severe pain that requires the continuous use of an opioid analgesic preparation for several days or more.

OxyContin is Purdue Pharma’s brand for time-release oral oxycodone

On March 1, 2012, Purdue Pharma withdrew its current formulation of oxycodone controlled release (long acting) tablet, OxyContin (i.e., the manufacturer stopped distributing OxyContin into the Canadian market), and introduced tamper-resistant OxyNEO tablets
- OxyNEO is more difficult to crush for the purpose of use and abuse

“Prescription narcotic abuse has destroyed the lives of too many Ontarians. These regulations will save lives and prevent addiction. While these steps help limit access, a ban on generic Oxycontin remains the single most effective way to prevent the devastating impact that this drug can have on families. That’s why I continue to join my provincial counterparts, doctors, pharmacists, police and First Nations leaders in calling on the federal government to reconsider their decision. ”
— Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long Term Care

The federal government has decided to reintroduce generic Oxycontin which is the more easily abused version of OxyContin.

In response, Ontario has already removed easily abused OxyContin from the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary and placed tamper-resistant OxyNeo in the Exceptional Access Program.

However, the provincial government believes that the cost to society of the reintroduction of the more easily abused version of OxyContin far outweighs the financial benefits of the reduced generic price for the following reasons:

A recent study found that the annual social costs from OxyContin abuse could be as high as $318 million in Ontario, and $504 million nationwide

The addition of oxycodone controlled-release tablets to the Ontario drug formulary was associated with a five-fold increase in oxycodone-related mortality and a 41 per cent increase in overall opioid-related mortality

Presently, Ontario is proposing the following regulations to amend the Ontario Drug Benefit Act and the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act to limit access to generic OxyContin unless it is tamper-resistant:

Long-acting oxycodone products would not be considered for funding under the Ontario Drug Benefit Act unless they meet tamper-resistant criteria

Also, long-acting oxycodone products would not be designated as an interchangeable product under the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act unless they meet tamper-resistant criteria
- By declaring that long-acting generic oxycodone is not interchangeable unless it meets tamper-resistant criteria:
  - a pharmacist cannot legally substitute the generic drug for the brand name without authorization from the prescriber
  - Ontario is limiting the situations where the more easily abused generic OxyContin could be dispensed

Strengthening the Executive Officer of Ontario’s Public Drug Programs authority to not pay a dispensing physician or operator of a pharmacy who does not comply with the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act

The proposed regulations would provide that the new measures be made retroactive to Nov. 23, 2012.

Please note that the draft regulations are posted today for consultation on the ministry’s website to provide the public with an opportunity to review and comment on this important issue:

Interested parties are invited to provide written comments on the proposed change to the draft regulations as part of the review

The ministry will consider comments received on or before December 24, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. EST (“comment period.”)
- Please be advised that submissions received after the comment period may not be considered

Please click here to read the draft regulations and to provide your comments regarding Ontario taking action to limit access to generic OxyContin unless it is tamper-resistant.

Ontario, Canada

NEWS RELEASE

Ontario Takes Action to Limit Access to Generic OxyContin

November 23, 2012

McGuinty Government Protecting Ontario Families

Ontario is helping save lives and protect the health of Ontarians by proposing regulations to limit access to generic OxyContin unless it is tamper-resistant.

The province believes that the cost to society of the reintroduction of the more easily abused version of OxyContin far outweighs the financial benefits of the reduced generic price. The proposed regulations will help limit access to easily-abused generic OxyContin, protecting patients and those who may be addicted to prescription narcotics.

Ontario is also ensuring that patients who legitimately need prescription drugs to manage pain will continue to have access to a wide variety of pain medications, including the more tamper-resistant OxyNeo.

The province is working with physicians and pharmacists regarding appropriate prescribing and dispending practices to protect Ontarians.

Ontario has already taken strong steps to address narcotic addiction issues, including:

Investing $15 million to increase access to opioid addiction services and treatment across the province
Implementing the Narcotics Monitoring System to track all prescription narcotics and other controlled substance medications dispensed in the province
Removing easily abused OxyContin from the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary and placing tamper-resistant OxyNeo in the Exceptional Access Program
Educating prescribers and partnering with the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health to create treatment guidelines for front line workers, doctors and nurses

Promoting the appropriate dispensing and use of narcotic substances is part of the Action Plan for Health Care’s priority of keeping Ontario families healthy.

QUICK FACTS

A recent study found that the annual social costs from OxyContin abuse could be as high as $318 million in Ontario, and $504 million nationwide.
The addition of oxycodone controlled-release tablets to the Ontario drug formulary was associated with a five-fold increase in oxycodone-related mortality and a 41 per cent increase in overall opioid-related mortality.
The Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, 2010 came into force on Nov.1, 2011.

LEARN MORE

Read Minister Matthews’ letter to provincial and territorial health ministers.
Read more about the proposed regulations.
Read more about Ontario’s actions to address prescription drug abuse.
Learn how drugs get approved for use in Ontario.
Get information about drug and alcohol addictions services at ConnexOntario through its Drug and Alcohol Helpline (1-800-565-8603)

QUOTES

“Prescription narcotic abuse has destroyed the lives of too many Ontarians. These regulations will save lives and prevent addiction. While these steps help limit access, a ban on generic Oxycontin remains the single most effective way to prevent the devastating impact that this drug can have on families. That’s why I continue to join my provincial counterparts, doctors, pharmacists, police and First Nations leaders in calling on the federal government to reconsider their decision. ”
— Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long Term Care