FATALITY NUMBERS INCREASE IN NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO

The number of regional deaths related to the powerful painkilling drug
oxycodone have doubled in the last year, says the regional supervising
coroner for the Northwest.

"There have been some deaths," Dr. David Legge confirmed in a recent interview.

So far, he has recorded 11 deaths where oxycodone has been found in the
system of the deceased.

That number may rise because toxicology results are still due in some cases
dating to 2004.

That compares to five the previous year.

"It's a great concern in this area," Legge said.

However, he cautioned against drawing the conclusion that oxycodone was the
lone or primary factor in these deaths. Tests can find oxycodone in the
blood, ranging from trace amounts to lethal levels.

As well, other narcotics were found in virtually all of the cases. It's the
"cocktail" of drugs that often leads to a fatal overdose, Legge said.

"In my experience, in Northern Ontario the majority are accidental
(deaths), based on a lack of knowledge of the user of what the potential
effects of the drug is or could be, plus the fact they're almost always
taking other drugs at the same time," Legge said.

"It's rare that you also get one drug alone on the toxicology screen. There
are usually a number of other ones."

Oxycodone hydrochloride, a compound similar to morphine, is the active
ingredient in OxyContin (as well as Percocet and Percodan). Approved as a
controlled-release pain reliever in 1995, OxyContin is now the most
prescribed medication for the treatment of pain associated with cancer,
rheumatoid arthritis and other debilitating conditions.

"It's very effective if properly prescribed and monitored," Legge said.