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Revisiting the OxyContin Reformulation: The Role of Licit Substitutes

Author

Listed:
  • Graham, Francis W.

    (Monash University)

  • de New, Sonja C.

    (Monash University)

  • Nielsen, Suzanne

    (Monash University)

  • Petrie, Dennis

    (Monash University)

Abstract

After the introduction of abuse-deterrent OxyContin in 2010, states with widespread extramedical OxyContin use experienced steep increases in heroin deaths, implying substitution from OxyContin to heroin. Leveraging cross-state variation in initial OxyContin utilization, we show the OxyContin reformulation also induced substitution to a similar prescription opioid product, Opana ER. States with high Opana ER utilization after the OxyContin reformulation experienced continued growth in prescription opioid deaths, and after Opana ER was reformulated 18 months later, an additional wave of substitution to heroin previously solely attributed to OxyContin. Our results highlight underappreciated substitution pathways throughout these pivotal years of the epidemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Graham, Francis W. & de New, Sonja C. & Nielsen, Suzanne & Petrie, Dennis, 2023. "Revisiting the OxyContin Reformulation: The Role of Licit Substitutes," IZA Discussion Papers 16653, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16653
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Abby Alpert & David Powell & Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, 2018. "Supply-Side Drug Policy in the Presence of Substitutes: Evidence from the Introduction of Abuse-Deterrent Opioids," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 10(4), pages 1-35, November.
    2. Timothy J. Moore & Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, 2021. "Causes and Consequences of Illicit Drug Epidemics," NBER Working Papers 29528, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Van Zee, A., 2009. "The promotion and marketing of oxycontin: Commercial triumph, public health tragedy," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(2), pages 221-227.
    4. David Powell & Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, 2021. "The Evolving Consequences of OxyContin Reformulation on Drug Overdoses," American Journal of Health Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 7(1), pages 41-67.
    5. Jill Horwitz & Corey S. Davis & Lynn S. McClelland & Rebecca S. Fordon & Ellen Meara, 2018. "The Problem of Data Quality in Analyses of Opioid Regulation: The Case of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs," NBER Working Papers 24947, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    opioids; opioid epidemic; OxyContin; Opana ER; heroin;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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