OxyContin (commonly just called Oxy) is a highly addictive painkiller, and probably the name many people most closely associate with opioids. Law enforcement has cracked down on “pill mills” that dispense these and other painkillers to people who have the money to buy them without any regard to whether they have a legitimate need for them.
Because of all the notoriety around Oxy and the consequences faced by Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family that first made and marketed the drug, many people assume that it’s illegal to have under any circumstances. In fact, it is still prescribed by doctors for severe or chronic pain after an injury or surgery and for pain associated with cancer. However, there is far more oversight than there used to be. Responsible doctors are highly cautious about how much they prescribe and for how long.
If you have a valid prescription for it, you can take it legally. You certainly should consult your doctor about whether it’s safe to drive if you’re taking Oxy.
How to minimize your chances of arrest when you have a valid prescription
If you’re carrying it with you (in a backpack, purse or suitcase, for example), you should have it in the container it came in with your prescription information on the label. If you don’t want to carry a whole bottle of pills with you, it’s probably better to put as many as you need in the original bottle and leave the rest carefully secured at home.
If you don’t have the original bottle, make sure you have your prescription on your phone (for example, on your pharmacy app). This can help you provide proof that you have a current prescription if you need to.
It’s also crucial only to take it as directed. People learned early on that crushing, chewing, snorting or injecting it would cause them to immediately feel the effects. Not only is taking it in one of these alternative methods dangerous and potentially addictive, but it can attract the attention of law enforcement.
If you are facing drug charges for illegally possessing Oxy or other controlled substance without a prescription, whatever the circumstances, it’s wise to seek legal guidance to protect your rights.