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Concerns are growing over the creation of generic version of OxyContin

Author

Compiled by Debora Steel

Volume

30

Issue

9

Year

2012

Concerns are growing over the creation of a cheaper generic version of the powerful and highly-addictive pain medication OxyContin. The Anishinabek Nation believes the government of Canada has a moral and fiduciary responsibility to block pharmaceutical companies from making these alternative drugs. Oxy is destroying communities and families, said Northern Superior Regional Grand Chief Peter Collins. First Nations have urged the federal government to work with them in battling the drug in their communities. They cautiously applauded the March announcement by Health Canada that OxyContin sales were being halted. Now First Nations are saying that the federal government had an opportunity to stop the generic drugs being developed, but Ottawa says it will not intervene. OxyContin is an opiate-based drug that has proven to be a significant problem in addiction and related criminal activity.  It can be easily altered to create a heroin-type high and its over-prescription has created a plague, especially in First Nations, the nations say. “Fighting the use of OxyContin is still an issue,” said Collins. “Supplies are dwindling, but those with access or supply to the drug are still making it available. Introduction to the market of generic versions will only add to the problem.”