Propoxyphene faces an uncertain future. The withdrawal of the drug from the prescription schedule in the UK in early 2005. The drug has also been withdrawn in the European Union, the US, Canada and in New Zealand. In November 2010 the FDA announced that the drug would be also removed from the US market.
At the time of press, propoxyphene is still available on pre- scription in Australia, Mexico and a range of South American and Asian countries.
Legal comment
Not surprisingly, both Propoxyphene and Oxazepam can be lawfully possessed if they have been prescribed by a physician. While Oxazepam is a widely prescribed drug, only in Aus- tralia is Propoxyphene still able to be prescribed. In Australia, maximum penalties for the importation of Propoxyphene and Oxazepam are no more than 3 times the value of the import or $180,000 (whatever is the greater maximum penalty).
In the UK, Propoxyphene and Oxazepam are Class C drugs with maximum penalties of 14 years imprisonment for impor- tation and an unlimited fine limit.
In the US, importers of Propoxyphene will generally face up to one year imprisonment and a $1,000 fine. Oxazepam is a Schedule IV controlled substance the importation of which holds the importer liable for up to five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
