Data from StreetRx and the RADARS® System show how much lower the black market street prices are for abuse-deterrent formulation (ADF) prescription opioids and stimulants. For example, OxyContin was 18% lower, Opana 35% lower, Hysingla 51% lower, and Concerta 52% lower.

These data show that people who are buying prescription drugs on the black market are willing to pay more for versions of products that are easier to snort, crush, or chew. Pharmaceutical companies are interested in reducing these unintended uses, and ADFs are one way they try to control how people use their products.

Oxymorphone
The original extended release Oxymorphone product is almost 35% more expensive than its ADF version

Amphetamine
The ADF version of Amphetamine costs about half as much as the original product

Though you might think that cheaper ADFs lead to more misuse of prescription drugs, the data indicate there is actually less demand for products that are harder to snort, crush, or chew. Emerging Epidemico research is exploring how people’s drug use preferences and behaviors change when ADFs enter the market. For more information visit StreetRx.

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