Oxycodone-related death in a context of poly-substance use

The issue of deaths related to opioid abuse-originally developed for the management of severe pain-is becoming increasingly relevant. However, their use is not without risk, as prolonged use of prescription opioids can lead to dependence and the development of tolerance, resulting in increased dosages that may lead to overdose, sometimes with fatal outcomes. In the USA, there is currently a true opioid crisis: in 2018, 46,802 Americans died from opioid overdoses, including those involving prescription opioids. This phenomenon is now spreading to other countries, including our own, and thus requires careful monitoring. One of the prescription opioids that has contributed to this crisis is oxycodone, which is among the most frequently prescribed drugs for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. In this case report, we will examine a death related to the combined intake of multiple substances, including oxycodone.