Pfizer Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved TROXYCA® ER (oxycodone hydrochloride and naltrexone hydrochloride) extended-release capsules, for oral use, CII for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. TROXYCA ER has properties that are expected to reduce abuse when crushed and administered by the oral and intranasal routes. However, abuse of TROXYCA ER by these routes is still possible. It is the only oxycodone with oral abuse-deterrent features described in the labeling.
“Public health authorities and regulators have encouraged the development of treatments that are more difficult to abuse, yet offer pain relief to appropriate patients when used as indicated,” said Rory O’Connor, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Internal Medicine, Pfizer Inc. “The development of this medication with abuse-deterrent properties is another example of our ongoing commitment to advancing science and the treatment of patients with pain conditions.”
TROXYCA ER extended-release capsules contain pellets that consist of oxycodone hydrochloride, an opioid agonist, which surround sequestered naltrexone hydrochloride, an opioid antagonist. When taken as directed, the naltrexone is intended to remain sequestered and patients receive oxycodone in an extended-release manner.
Studies demonstrated that when the pellets are crushed the sequestered naltrexone is released and is available to counteract the effects of oxycodone.
