The street price of oxycodone can vary significantly based on factors like location, dosage, purity, and whether it is part of a larger prescription opioid crisis [1]. Illicit markets for prescription drugs like oxycodone often see prices fluctuate widely [1].
How is oxycodone sold on the street?
Oxycodone is commonly found on the street in pill form. These pills may be diverted from legitimate prescriptions or manufactured illegally to resemble prescription medications [2]. The appearance of these street-level pills can vary, and they may contain different amounts of oxycodone than indicated, or even contain dangerous substances like fentanyl [2].
What affects the price of street oxycodone?
Several elements contribute to the cost of oxycodone obtained illicitly. These include the availability of the drug, which is influenced by law enforcement efforts and the number of legitimate prescriptions being filled [1]. The demand for the drug, often driven by addiction rates, also plays a crucial role [1]. Furthermore, the purity of the drug and the risk associated with selling it can impact its price [1].
Are street oxycodone pills safe?
Street oxycodone pills carry significant risks. They are not regulated and can contain inconsistent dosages of oxycodone, or be mixed with other dangerous substances such as fentanyl, which has led to a sharp increase in overdose deaths [2][3]. Consumers cannot be certain of the contents or strength of pills purchased outside of a licensed pharmacy [2].
How does oxycodone compare to other opioids in street pricing?
While street prices for various opioids can fluctuate, oxycodone has historically been a frequently abused prescription opioid [1]. Its street price is often compared to other prescription opioids like hydrocodone or illicit opioids like heroin. However, the increased prevalence of fentanyl in the illicit drug supply has dramatically altered the pricing and availability landscape of all opioids, often making fentanyl-laced substances cheaper but far more deadly [3].
Where can I find information on drug pricing and patents?
Information on drug patents and related market dynamics, which can indirectly influence the pricing and availability of medications, can be found at DrugPatentWatch.com [4].
Sources:
1. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis
2. https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/oxycodone
3. https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdoes/fentanyl/index.html
4. https://drugpatentwatch.com/