FYI: Percocet contains oxycodone (a from of time released morphine, an opiate) and Acetaminophen (sold under the brand name of Tylenol). OxyContin is a brand name that plain oxycodone is sold under. OxyContin / oxycodone has been nicknamed “hillbilly heroin” because the drug has seen a lot of illegal recreational use in poor white communities, especially in the Appalachians, where people have often been prescribed OxyContin /oxycodone as a pain killer for severe and chronic pain. In recent years it has led to a heroin epidemic in white communities as the oxycodone abusers discovered that heroin was cheaper and gave the same high, and as Mexican drug dealers stepped in to provide the product. It’s often hard to keep track of what’s what in all these discussions about pharmaceutical drugs since they are so often referred to by brand names they are marketed under as well as their actual generic names.
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Everyone aboard the flight on which Prince allegedly suffered an overdose of painkillers days before his death is to be quizzed by police.
Investigators said they want to speak to the singer’s friends, staff and flight crew – as it was claimed he had needed emergency treatment for the same drug used by fierce rival Michael Jackson.
Sources say the 57-year-old took so many Percocet painkillers shortly after performing in Atlanta eight days ago that his condition became critical.
And his team were so fearful for his safety they diverted the Gulfstream jet to Moline, Illinois to get urgent medical attention – despite being only 48 minutes from his home.
Prince has left behind a legion of grieving fans
At the hospital the pop superstar was reportedly administered a “save shot” normally given in dire circumstances to overdose victims.
Doctors advised Prince would need to be monitored for 24 hours – but when his management failed to secure him a private room they discharged him.
When he left the hospital after just three hours he was described as “not doing well”.
Yet the 5ft 2ins singer made an appearance at a party in Minnesota the next day, assuring worried fans they should “wait a few days before you waste any prayers”.
A police source said: “We understand Prince suffered chronic pain after developing a hip problem. Naturally he took painkillers to ease his troubles but police are looking into if he was prescribed too many.
“We have seen in the case of Jackson how people can acquire large quantities of drugs when really they should be monitored.”
The pop icon was described as looking 'frail and nervous' shortly before his death
The autopsy on Prince was completed on Friday and his body was due to be released that night to his family. Results are likely not to be available for some weeks as medics await the outcome of tests.
Percocet contains oxycodone, associated for 30 years with high levels of drug abuse. That is a key component of Oxycontin – one of the drugs most abused by Jackson.
Known as “hillybilly heroin”, it is widely sold illegally.
When police searched Jackson’s home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles after his death, they found massive quantities of opioid-based medication, including Percocet.
Doctors warn the drug is highly addictive and should not be taken in large quantities.
Throughout their careers Prince and Jackson endured a bitter rivalry, feuding for many years.
When the Purple Rain singer pulled out of charity song We Are The World, it was claimed to be because he did not want to appear alongside the King of Pop.
None of Prince's entourage are suspected of any wrongdoing
Reports in the US say Prince’s staff did tell medics he had taken the painkillers. Police do not suspect any of the pop star’s entourage of wrongdoing.
Details of the alleged overdose came as photos emerged of him leaving a Walgreens pharmacy the evening before his death.
The music icon was reportedly seen at around 7pm on Wednesday – his fourth visit to the chemist in a week.
He was described as looking “frail and nervous” and “not his usual self”. Less than 15 hours later he was found unconscious in a lift at his Paisley Park estate.
Paramedics were called to the property at 9.43am on Thursday after receiving a frantic 911 from inside.
The caller is said to have told the emergency dispatcher the people inside the house were “distraught” before giving the address as 7801 Paisley Park, adding: “Yes, it’s Prince.”
On Friday thousands of fans continued to arrive at his home to pay their respects. Many left purple flowers, while others wrote messages of love on huge posters tied to the fence.
Brian Keogh, 49, who attended more than 20 concerts inside Paisley Park, said Prince’s loss was “immeasurable”.
He said: “It is a very, very dark day. He was the ultimate performer. I’d receive an email on a Friday about the concerts, then hours later he was right in front of us doing what he did best – entertain.”
Thousands of fans also gathered at the First Avenue club in Minneapolis, where Prince recorded the film version of Purple Rain, while others held vigils across the US, including in Los Angeles and New York.
Dimitri Whitman Sr, who attended Prince’s last Paisley Park gig on Friday, said the star had been in “good, playful spirits”. He said: “I asked how he was feeling. He said fine. My lasting memory will be his smile. He was just so happy.
“He wanted everyone to know he was alive and well. He smiled, he joked and showed off his new guitar.”
And he revealed Prince had played party guests a 30-minute recording of his final gig in Atlanta. Dimitri added: “He said it was to be released as an album. I’m sure that’s up in the air now.”
He said of Prince’s final party night: “He was just partying with his assistant. Some dance parties turn into jumps, others stay as dance parties.
“You may or may not see him walking around. If you do, he’ll normally smile – or even stop for a brief conversation.”
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