RxNews

Important Information about Generic OxyContin®
June 13, 2008

Generic Formulations of OxyContin®
As many providers are aware, the generic formulations of oxycodone sustained-release (OxyContin®) will no longer be available.

Generic formulations of oxycodone sustained-release were equally safe, effective, and held to the same quality standards as the brand-name product OxyContin.  However, a successful patent challenge has forced generic oxycodone sustained-release from the market until 2013.

Once the current supplies are dispensed by pharmacies, the generic will no longer be available for your patients. Your local pharmacy may be able to tell you when they expect their supply to run out.

Regence Preferred/Formulary Alternatives
There is no reliable scientific evidence that OxyContin is safer, more effective,  better tolerated, or less likely to be abused than generic long-acting opioid analgesics such as generic sustained-release morphine or generic fentanyl patches. Although it has no established additional clinical value, OxyContin is priced several times what generically available opioids cost.

OxyContin brand will remain non-preferred /non-formulary.  Patients who remain on OxyContin may have significantly higher copayments. Where potent long-acting opioids are indicated for a patient, we strongly urge physicians to consider generic alternatives.

For information on the cost and formulary status of opioid analgesics, or other prescription medications, please see the RxPriceGuide at: www.regencerx.com/learn/rxPriceGuide/index.html