Safety and efficacy of controlled-release oxycodone: a systematic literature review.
Prescriptions for controlled-release oxycodone, a narcotic analgesic, recently contributed to a dramatic increase in pharmacy costs for a large private insurance company. To determine whether this agent offered clinical benefits over other available drugs that would justify its significantly greater cost, a systematic review of 16 clinical trials was undertaken. The review suggested that immediate-release and controlled-release preparations of oxycodone have similar efficacy and comparable side effect profiles. Controlled-release oxycodone has the advantage of less frequent dosing than immediate-release oxycodone; however, other agents may be dosed infrequently at much lower costs. For patients requiring a controlled-release opioid treatment, controlled-release morphine and methadone should be considered because they appear to be as effective as oxycodone and cost considerably less. Controlled-release oxycodone may be appropriate for some patients, particularly if they cannot tolerate other controlled-release or long-acting opioid analgesics.
Rischitelli
D Gary
DG
Center for Research on Occupational and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland 97201-3011, USA. rischite@ohsu.edu
Karbowicz
Sean H
SH
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D010098:Oxycodone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D010098:Oxycodone