Abuse-Deterrent Hydrocodone Product Launches in United States

Purdue Pharma has announced the US commercial launch of its extended-release hydrocodone bitartrate (Hysingla ER), an opioid analgesic indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Hysingla ER is the first and only hydrocodone product to be recognized as having abuse-deterrent properties by the FDA, which approved the drug in November 2014. Purdue has developed Hysingla ER to deter misuse and abuse done through chewing, snorting, and injection, though the manufacturer notes that patients could still potentially abuse the drug by intravenous, intranasal, and oral routes.

In addition, Hysingla ER does not contain acetaminophen, a reported leading cause of acute liver failure in the United States and, along with hydrocodone, one of the country’s most abused medications, according to a Purdue press release.

“Acetaminophen toxicity and the misuse and abuse of opioids are real concerns among clinicians treating people with chronic pain,” said Bob Twillman, PhD, Executive Director of the American Academy of Pain Management, in a press release. “The availability of a hydrocodone product with abuse-deterrent properties that does not contain acetaminophen gives healthcare professionals and chronic pain patients an important new treatment option.”

“We’re already seeing significant pharmacy demand and major health plan coverage of Hysingla ER,” added Purdue CEO Mark Timney. “It’s a sign that opioids with abuse-deterrent properties are being embraced by the healthcare community.”

Hysingla ER is now available in once-daily dosage strengths of 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, 100 mg, and 120 mg.