How Much Is Oxycodone Worth?
When it comes to the market price of oxycodone, understanding its value is essential. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a patient, or someone curious about the economics of prescription drugs, knowing the factors that influence the worth of oxycodone can provide valuable insights.
Oxycodone, in its various brand names such as OxyContin, Percocet, and Roxicodone, has maintained a stable average street price of $1 per milligram for many years, according to a National Prescription Drug Threat Assessment from 2009. However, there have been reports of slight price increases in the past, particularly in July 2008.
Various variables affect the street prices of oxycodone and other controlled prescription drugs. Factors such as availability, demand, law enforcement investigations, and geographic region play a significant role in determining the value of oxycodone in the market.
In this article, we will explore the street prices of oxycodone, compare them to the retail prices, and examine the factors that influence their value. By gaining a deeper understanding of these aspects, we can better comprehend the economic dynamics surrounding oxycodone and its impact on the illegal painkiller market.
Comparison of Street Prices
A comparison between the street prices and retail prices for commonly abused prescription painkillers reveals a significant difference. On the street, one tablet of oxycodone can cost between $12 and $40, whereas the retail price is typically around $6. Similarly, hydrocodone, another commonly abused painkiller, can be found on the street for $5 to $20, while the retail price is approximately $1.50. These disparities in prices highlight the lucrative nature of the illegal painkiller market.
Factors Influencing Street Price
A study conducted using data from StreetRx, a crowdsourcing website for drug prices, examined the variables that affect the street price of diverted oxycodone. The findings of this study shed light on the economic dynamics of the illegal oxycodone market.
The study revealed that several factors play a significant role in determining the street price of oxycodone. One such factor is the dosage strength of the drug. The data indicated that for every 2-fold increase in dosage strength, there was an average decrease of 24% in the price per milligram for oxycodone. This suggests that higher dosage strengths are associated with relatively lower street prices.
Additionally, the formulation of the drug also influences its street price. The study found that crush-resistant formulations, designed to resist tampering or abuse, were linked to lower prices on the illegal market. Conversely, drugs with lower potency and high dosage strengths were associated with higher street prices.
Bulk purchasing was another determinant of the street price of oxycodone. The data showed that individuals who purchased large quantities of diverted oxycodone enjoyed lower prices per milligram compared to those who bought smaller quantities. This suggests that economies of scale and the ability to purchase in bulk contribute to lower street prices.
