The street price of oxycodone can vary significantly based on factors such as location, purity, dosage, and the form of the drug (e.g., pills, powder) [1]. Prices can also be influenced by the availability of legitimate prescriptions and the success of law enforcement efforts to curb illicit supply [2].
How much does an oxycodone pill cost on the street?
A single 30-milligram oxycodone pill, often referred to as an "M30," can range in price from $15 to $50 or more. Lower-dosage pills generally cost less, while higher-dosage or more potent formulations can command higher prices [1]. The market for these pills is highly dynamic, with prices fluctuating based on local supply and demand [2].
What factors influence oxycodone street pricing?
Several elements contribute to the fluctuating street price of oxycodone. These include the pill's dosage (e.g., 10mg, 20mg, 30mg), its origin (whether it is diverted from legitimate prescriptions or produced illicitly), and its purity [1]. The presence of fentanyl adulteration, which is increasingly common in counterfeit oxycodone pills, can also affect pricing, though it also introduces significant risks [3]. Geographical location plays a major role, with prices differing between urban and rural areas, and across different states or regions [2].
Where do illicit oxycodone pills come from?
Illicit oxycodone often originates from diverted prescription medications, meaning pills are stolen, sold by individuals with legitimate prescriptions, or obtained through fraudulent means. Increasingly, counterfeit pills are manufactured in clandestine laboratories, often containing dangerous substances like fentanyl, which are pressed to resemble legitimate oxycodone pills [3].
What are the risks of buying oxycodone on the street?
Purchasing oxycodone on the street carries substantial risks, primarily due to the high likelihood of the pills being counterfeit and containing fentanyl [3]. Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that can cause respiratory depression and fatal overdose even in small amounts [4]. There is no guarantee of dosage or purity with street drugs, making each use a gamble with potentially deadly consequences [3].
How does the street price compare to the prescription cost?
The street price of oxycodone can sometimes be lower than the out-of-pocket cost of a prescription, especially for individuals without insurance or with high co-pays. However, prescription oxycodone is regulated for quality and dosage, while street drugs are not [2].
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
[2] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
[3] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
[4] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/