Canadians fear switch from 'Oxy' to heroin

Authorities are expressing concerns that oxycodone addicts in Canada will be switching to heroin, as we continue to watch developments in the phase out of OcyContin in Canada. The medication has been been de-listed, meaning that it is no longer covered under the government provided health plan. Also, the manufacturer is taking it off the market, with plans to replace it with a newer (reportedly abuse-resistant) pill named OxyNeo. However, a half-dozen provinces have decided not to approve the new formula, fearing that (in spite of the promises) it will become abused as well. With these developments, observers are expecting to see an up-tick in the use of heroin as those dependent on and abusing opioids look for replacements for the prescription drugs.