PAIN KILLER by Barry Meier (2003)

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MEIER, BARRY

PAIN KILLER: A "WONDER" DRUG'S TRAIL OF ADDICTION AND DEATH (2003)

A New York Times reporter tells the story of Oxycontin, a powerful prescription pain-killer (Oxycodone HCL, an opioid) from the Purdue pharmaceutical company. It can be crushed and inhaled or injected.

It is an informative account, shedding light on how such a drug is marketed and emphasizing the extent to which Purdue went to promote sales of Oxycontin, without questioning the data clearly indicating that the drug was being freely prescribed by doctors operating so-called "pill mills": for the price of an office visit, the doctor will prescribe whatever drug the patient asks for.

The author acknowledges that this strong narcotic has definite uses for persons suffering from intractable pain, but he argues that there are other less dangerous drugs on the market. Oxycontin has had an appalling track record.

Recently the author reported more details about Oxycontin.