Author Interviews, Pain Research / 24.03.2026
Dynamic changes and pronounced state-level differences in oxycodone in the USA: An observational study of ARCOS, Medicaid, and Medicare Drug databases
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_72890" align="alignleft" width="195"]
Dr. Jay Solgama[/caption]
Jay P. Solgama, MD
Department of Medical Education
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Scranton, PA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: The United States (U.S.) continues to face a severe opioid crisis, with nearly 80,000 opioid-related deaths reported in 2023. Prescription opioids play a central role in this epidemic, with a large proportion of misuse involving commonly prescribed pain relievers such as oxycodone. Prior research has shown that oxycodone (brand names OxyContin, Roxicodone, OxyIR, RoxyBond, and Percocet) is one of the most widely consumed and misused opioids in the U.S., with notable geographic variation in its distribution across states [1–3].
Against this backdrop, the present study aimed to comprehensively characterize oxycodone distribution across the U.S. from 2000 to 2023. Using three complementary data sources—the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS), Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (M-SDUD), and the Medicare Part D Prescribers dataset (M-PDP)—we sought to evaluate national and state-level patterns, as well as identify strengths and weaknesses of each dataset [4,5]. The Medicaid program serves low-income and Medicare serves elderly patients.
Dr. Jay Solgama[/caption]
Jay P. Solgama, MD
Department of Medical Education
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Scranton, PA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: The United States (U.S.) continues to face a severe opioid crisis, with nearly 80,000 opioid-related deaths reported in 2023. Prescription opioids play a central role in this epidemic, with a large proportion of misuse involving commonly prescribed pain relievers such as oxycodone. Prior research has shown that oxycodone (brand names OxyContin, Roxicodone, OxyIR, RoxyBond, and Percocet) is one of the most widely consumed and misused opioids in the U.S., with notable geographic variation in its distribution across states [1–3].
Against this backdrop, the present study aimed to comprehensively characterize oxycodone distribution across the U.S. from 2000 to 2023. Using three complementary data sources—the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS), Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (M-SDUD), and the Medicare Part D Prescribers dataset (M-PDP)—we sought to evaluate national and state-level patterns, as well as identify strengths and weaknesses of each dataset [4,5]. The Medicaid program serves low-income and Medicare serves elderly patients.
Chiropractic care offers a minimally invasive solution to musculoskeletal issues. Back, neck, and joint pain are some reasons people turn to chiropractic care. Through the alignment of the spinal column, the care promotes overall health. Repeating the treatments increase the function in the body and reduce the use of medication.
Beyond pain reduction, chiropractic care also ensures overall health by aiding nervous function. A well-aligned spinal column provides good communication between the body and the brain. A misaligned spinal column, in contrast, squishes the nervous tissues, resulting in discomfort and less function. Through the maintenance in spinal health, most people feel improved rest, improved digestive function, and improved energy.
One of the most powerful chiropractic treatments lies in the body's ability to heal from illness if only given the support necessary. Rather than simply masking the symptom through medication, this integrated approach targets the root cause of the discomfort. Patients typically suffer from less frequent and less painful episodes if proper care is administered. This makes the operation appealing to individuals who desire long-term remedy and who want to eliminate surgical intervention.
Dr. Cheryl Krause-Parello[/caption]
Cheryl A. Krause-Parello, PhD, RN, FAAN