The OxyContin Saga: Unveiling the Untold Aftermath of Purdue's Notorious Painkiller

This article contains discussions of the Opioid Crisis.

Summary

Prescribed legally at present, OxyContin continues to play a role in exacerbating the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States. As per the CDC, there were an average of 43.3 opioid prescriptions for every 100 Americans in 2020.

In 2018, Purdue Pharma ceased the direct marketing of OxyContin to doctors due to lawsuits. Currently, they are seeking bankruptcy while offering a settlement of up to $6 billion, which would impede victims and their families from taking legal action against the Sackler family.

Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy plan involves transferring all assets to Knoa Pharmacy, a new company that will continue manufacturing medications, including opioids. Although they claim to offer opioid addiction treatments and overdose reversal drugs without making a profit, it is important for the victims to have an opportunity for justice.

Following the disturbing events depicted in Netflix's Painkiller, many viewers are curious about the fate of Purdue Pharma's OxyContin. Painkiller is a fictional series that portrays the rise and fall of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. The show features fictional characters who represent pharmaceutical representatives, Purdue executives, and investigators. However, it is the stories of the victims throughout the series that reveal the profound harm inflicted upon families by OxyContin and the ensuing Opioid Crisis.

OxyContin Is Still Being Legally Prescribed Today

Since OxyContin is classified as a Schedule II narcotic under The Controlled Substances Act, it is known for its highly addictive nature despite its limited medical applications. Regrettably, the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma disregarded this fact and engaged in aggressive marketing of the drug as the safest opioid on the market. Moreover, they intentionally concealed the severe risks associated with its use, which influenced the approval of the medication by former FDA agent Curtis Wright. Although there have been some changes within Purdue Pharma since the events depicted in Painkiller, unfortunately, certain aspects have remained unaltered.

Despite the ongoing opioid crisis portrayed in Painkiller, OxyContin remains available in the market today, making a significant contribution to this crisis. According to the CDC, in 2020, there was an average of 43.3 opioid prescriptions for every 100 Americans nationwide. Some counties in the U.S. even exceeded this rate by nine times. Although there has been a decrease compared to previous years, 3.6 percent of counties still had enough prescriptions to cover every resident. While these CDC statistics do not focus solely on OxyContin, they help illustrate the problems purportedly instigated by Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, as portrayed in the TV show Painkiller.

Purdue Stopped Marketing OxyContin Directly To Doctors In 2018

After the events of Painkiller, many people are curious about what unfolded next. In 2018, Purdue Pharma ceased directly marketing OxyContin to doctors' offices due to multiple lawsuits. This action, although commendable, came considerably late. Additionally, Purdue Pharma has pursued bankruptcy, a move that could result in a $6 billion settlement but would also prevent victims and their families from taking legal action against the Sackler family. As of August 2023, the Supreme Court has paused the bankruptcy process and plans to hear arguments in December 2023 to evaluate the situation.

Under the proposed bankruptcy plan outlined on Purdue Pharma's website, all assets would be transferred to a new company called Knoa Pharmacy. This company would continue producing medications, including opioids, under the supervision of independent board members. Crucially, Knoa Pharmacy would conduct research and offer opioid addiction treatments and overdose reversal medications without seeking profits. If the court approves the plan, Knoa Pharma would have no connection to the Sacklers. While some aspects of this plan appear promising, there are lingering doubts. Every victim, including those featured in Painkiller and the countless others who have suffered, deserves a chance for justice.

Sources: The United States DEA, CDC, PBS, CNN, Purdue Pharma