A Pain Rx That Resists Abuse

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new opioid with abuse-deterrent properties.

That opioid is Xtampza ER (oxycodone), and it is approved to manage pain severe enough to require daily pain medication and for pain that requires around-the-clock management. It is indicated for pain that has not been managed with other treatment options.

Xtampza ER is not to be given for as-needed pain.

Collegium Pharmaceutical’s Xtampza ER uses the DETERx technology platform, which prevents abuse. What does this mean? If the medication is crushed or chewed, it will not be rapidly released into the body. It will hold onto its properties and be released in the body at a controlled rate. It will therefore provide pain relief for several hours.

Furthermore, Xtampza ER capsules can be opened up and sprinkled on soft foods or into a cup. Xtampza ER offers patients who have trouble swallowing or who have a gastrostomy or nasogastric feeding tube a safe treatment option.

Xtampza ER is expected to hit the market in mid-2016, according to Collegium. It will likely be available in five dosage strengths.

Xtampza ER carries a boxed warning that warns patients about addiction, abuse and misuse. The label also warns about the risk for life-threatening respiratory depression, accidental ingestion, neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and drug interactions via cytochrome P450 3A4.