After 10 years of taking the Oxycontin 'OC' tablets I have been devastated by this new formulation with the 'OP' on the tablet. Initially I thought i had received a 'bad batch' of medicine because i went into withdrawels while taking them as prescribed. I often noticed them floating in the toilet, so I thought perhaps they were not working due to not being digested. I had a similar problem with a generic oxycodone ER a few years ago (it was shaped like a football).
But then i also began having some significant systemic health problems, namely an unexplained urethritis that did not respond to antibiotics, and a bowel colitis that also did not respond to antibiotics. It was as if my entire system was responding to some toxin. I became horribly sick and stayed that way most of the year. The only thing that seemed to heal my new health problems was to stop taking the oxy. 'OP' tabs for a period of time. Fortunately I was able to take some old Oxycontins that i had diligently saved up over the 10 years of taking them, which allowed me these brief breaks.
After a few weeks of not taking the 'op's my symptoms would decrease and I would get better. The urethritis would heal (constant feeling of urgency to urinate and then a feeling of urinating razor blades when i would go) and so would the colitis: i would stop seeing a toilet full of blood and mucous at each bowel movement, etc.
I feel pretty hopeless because my "stash" of old oxycontins is quickly running out and morphine and methadone don't work for my chronic pain. I tried Opana, but it was not very effective for pain control and had many side effects. I was hoping and praying that Purdue would correct this horrible mistake with the new oxy pill, but it doesn't seem that is going to happen. I did contact Purdue initially, and have filled out numerous forms for them documenting my experience with the new oxy. I may have had even more bad effects from it because I take quite a large dose compared to most people.
Does anyone know if there is any hope for a better oxycontin pill any time soon, or if there are other people having significant negative responses to this new formulation. At my last doctors appointment he ended up prescribing Exalgo for me, but I have taken Dilaudid before, and I expect many side effects.
I would appreciate any insights or information anyone can share with me.