FDA Approves New OxyContin Formulation

The FDA has approved a new formulation for OxyContin (oxycodone) that aims to discourage abuse by snorting or injection, the agency announced on Monday.

The new formulation should prevent the drug from being "cut, broken, chewed, crushed or dissolved to release more medication," according to the FDA. However, it can still be abused by ingesting more than the recommended amount.

The agency's Dr. Bob Rappaport says, "Although this new formulation of OxyContin may provide only an incremental advantage over the current version of the drug, it is still a step in the right direction."