Finding into death of Daniel Malcolm John Anderson

33y · Male·toxic effects of oxycodone

A 33-year-old man died from oxycodone toxicity after his general practitioner prescribed escalating doses of the opioid for intermittent migraines over 14 months (5-30mg daily), despite a prior rejection of a pethidine application for the same indication due to addiction and adverse effect risks. The prescriber did not recognize opioid dependence development or exercise appropriate caution regarding long-term daily opioid use for a condition for which clinical guidelines recommend against such prescribing. Multiple clinicians and Schedule 8 regulatory authorities were involved. The coroner identified significant gaps in regulatory oversight and lack of specialist input, recommending consultation between regulators and peak medical bodies on appropriate opioid use for migraine and systematic review of current permits.