Is It Legal to Buy OxyContin Without a Prescription?
Without a prescription, it is illegal to buy
OxyContin® (
oxycodone ER). Practically, you may be able to do so, although this may be unsafe, in addition to being illegal.
OxyContin is a narcotic medication. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance (the strictest classification for legal medications) in the United States. As such, it is subject to regulation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). There are strict rules for obtaining OxyContin, and there are strict fines and penalties for selling, using, or trying to buy it (online or otherwise) without a prescription.
Is Buying It Without a Prescription Safe?
Unscrupulous Web sites may offer OxyContin medications without a prescription. In addition to being illegal, these illicit "pharmacies" may also be dangerous. It is not safe to use OxyContin that has been bought without a prescription, for various reasons, such as:
- Needing to buy this drug without a prescription is a good indication that you have a problem with OxyContin addiction. This is a serious problem that could be life-threatening.
- OxyContin is not considered safe for use without a healthcare provider's supervision. Some people should not take the drug for certain health reasons, and OxyContin may interact with numerous other medications (see OxyContin Drug Interactions). Without the supervision of a healthcare provider, people may be more likely to suffer dangerous side effects or toxicities due to OxyContin.
- Legitimate pharmacies will not sell OxyContin without a prescription. Because you can be assured that you are getting the "real thing" (not a counterfeit or expired medication) only from a legitimate pharmacy, buying it without a prescription increases your risk of getting a substandard or dangerous product.
- Some Web sites offer to provide a prescription for OxyContin after a "consultation," usually consisting of a short questionnaire. This is not considered a legitimate prescription, and no legitimate pharmacy would fill such prescriptions. This is true for pharmacies in the United States and most other countries (including Canada and Mexico).
