P-37 * OXYCODONE MISUSE

Abstract

Oxycodone was first developed in Germany in 1916 in attempt to offer an alternative to existing opioids such as morphine, codeine and heroin. It was hoped that the introduction of Oxycodone would provide a more effective pain treatment and reduce the risk of dependencies developing. The Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association recognised an alarming increase in the amount of Oxycodone prescribed in the last 15 years. Oxycodone related deaths have increased concurrently from four deaths in 2000 to a staggering ninety seven deaths in 2009. The rate of opioid type prescriptions including Oxycodone per person aged 15–54 from 1995–2003 has increased across all jurisdictions within Australia. Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre conducted research for Ambo Project, which looked at recording all ambulance attendances for patients specifically with drug and alcohol concerns. While the number of call outs by the Melbourne Metropolitan Ambulance for 'other opioids' was relatively low compared with alcohol, the concerns lies within the growth margin of attendances. An enormous increase of 20.6% in just 1 year. The increased trends in prescribing Oxycodone has bought about further health issues including harms related to injecting Oxycodone. The Addiction Medicine Unit at Monash Medical Centre; Monash Health, audited the amount of reported IV Oxycodone user in comparison to the reported number of infective endocarditis during 2010 and 2011.