(139) Reformulation of extended release oxymorphone: changes in intentional abuse exposures before and after introduction of tamper resistant formulation

Abstract

Studies indicate that abuse of extended release (ER) oxymorphone tablets increased following reformulation of an ER oxycodone product (OxyContin®) in August 2010. In February 2012, Endo pharmaceuticals reformulated ER oxymorphone (Opana® ER) to be resistant to tampering. This analysis examines changes in Opana ER abuse rates following introduction of these formulations using intentional abuse exposure case mentions from the RADARS® System Poison Center Program. Rates per number of prescriptions filled were compared across three time periods: before reformulation of ER oxycodone and ER oxymorphone (2009Q3 to 2010Q2), after reformulation of ER oxycodone and before reformulation of ER oxymorphone (2011Q1 through 2011Q4), and after reformulation of both ER oxycodone and ER oxymorphone (2012Q3 to 2013Q2).