Sen. Charles Schumer warned yesterday that the release next month of a new generic version of OxyContin will make it easier to abuse the highly addictive drug and increase the incentive to steal it.
“The generic’s . . . an addict’s dream, because [it’s] easily transformed into powder, which the addict can inject or snort,” Schumer said of the generic drug.
OxyContin turns to gel or chunks when broken, making it difficult to inject or snort. Schumer called on the Food and Drug Adminstration to require that generic versions of the drug be made the same way.
He spoke outside a drugstore on First Avenue and East 119th Street that had been held up by robbers seeking painkillers.
“Pharmacies like this one will have a giant target on their back if we don’t change the rules,” Schumer said, “because the addicts will clamor for the generic, which is more easily sold and more available.”