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Increasing deaths involving oxycodone, Victoria, Australia, 2000-09
Angela C Rintoul1, Malcolm D H Dobbin, Olaf H Drummer
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Australia. angela.rintoul@monash.edu
Summary
Fatal drug toxicity deaths involving oxycodone have significantly increased in Victoria, Australia, mirroring global trends. This rise is strongly linked to increased oxycodone supply, particularly affecting rural and disadvantaged areas.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- An emerging epidemic of fatal drug toxicity involving oxycodone has been identified in the United States and Canada.
- Oxycodone is a potent opioid analgesic with a significant potential for misuse and overdose.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify trends in fatal drug toxicity involving oxycodone in Victoria, Australia.
- To examine the demographic characteristics and socioeconomic indicators of deceased individuals.
- To assess the association between oxycodone supply and mortality rates.
Main Methods:
- Population-based observational study.
- Analysis of decedents reported to the Victorian Coroner between 2000 and 2009 with detected oxycodone.
- Examination of oxycodone supply data and demographic factors, including rural/metropolitan location and socioeconomic disadvantage.
Main Results:
- Oxycodone supply in Victoria increased nine-fold between 2000 and 2009.
- Oxycodone-related deaths increased 21-fold during the same period.
- Drug toxicity deaths were overrepresented in rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, with most being unintentional.
Conclusions:
- A substantial increase in oxycodone-related deaths is strongly associated with increased drug supply.
- The majority of oxycodone toxicity deaths were unintentional.
- Findings indicate an emerging pattern of increasing oxycodone fatalities in Victoria, aligning with global concerns.
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