How a Lie Winds Up in a Lawsuit
The Los Angeles Times published an incorrect article in 2016 that included false conclusions about the 12-hour effectiveness of OxyContin. As a result, those allegations became part of the false media narrative and were ultimately included in Connecticut’s lawsuit.
May 5, 2016: LA Times falsely claims OxyContin does not provide 12-hour relief:[1]
False Claim
“… OxyContin’s stunning success masked a fundamental problem: The drug wears off hours early in many people, a Los Angeles Times investigation found… and when it doesn’t last, patients can experience excruciating symptoms of withdrawal…”
Fact
However, FDA consistently supports the safety and efficacy of 12-hour dosing:
- 1995 FDA-approved label: “OxyContin tablets are designed to provide controlled delivery of oxycodone over 12 hours.”
- 2001 FDA-approved label: “The controlled-release nature of the formulation allows OxyContin to be effectively administered every 12 hours.”
- 2008 FDA reply to citizen petition regarding 12-hour dosing: “The labeling for OxyContin recommends q12h dosing because the clinical trials used to support approval used that dosing paradigm… consistent with a 12-hour dosing interval.”
- 2010 FDA-approved label: “OxyContin is designed to provide delivery of oxycodone over 12 hours.”
- 2018 FDA-approved label: “OxyContin is designed to provide delivery of oxycodone over 12 hours.”
- 2021 FDA-approved label: “OxyContin is designed to provide delivery of oxycodone over 12 hours.”
- Current (2023) FDA-approved label: “OxyContin is designed to provide delivery of oxycodone over 12 hours.”
Over Next Three Years: False Claim Republished in at Least 19 Different Publications
May 6, 2019: False claim in State of Connecticut Lawsuit[2]
Paragraph 73: “… Purdue’s ER/LA opioids were falsely marketed as 12-hour relief. In truth, the level of pain relief diminishes before 12 hours – a phenomenon known as end of dose failure. End of dose failure is a dangerous condition precipitating withdrawal symptoms.”