Oxycodone extended release capsules for the treatment of chronic pain

ABSTRACT

Introduction: As a consequence of greater prescription opioid utilization, there has been the parallel increase in misuse, abuse, and overdose, which are serious risks. Associated new formulations may be safer.

Areas covered: The introduction of abuse-deterrent opioid formulations and continuous programs to improve opioid prescribing practices may limit the opioid abuse and its consequences. Oxycodone extended release capsules are an extended-release (ER), microsphere-in-capsule abuse-deterrent-formulation designed to retain its extended-release properties following tampering or misuse (e.g., chewing, crushing). Studies have reported that this preparation is efficacious in patients with low back pain, less attractive for illicit use, and an option for patients who have difficulty swallowing and erroneously crush their medication.

Expert commentary: Preliminary data regarding oxycodone extended release capsules are encouraging. However, more data in different populations are necessary to confirm initial observations, and comparison should be performed with active substances.

KEYWORDS:

• Chronic pain
• opioids
• illicit use
• abuse-deterrent preparation
• oxycodone

Declaration of interest

The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.