It contained a dose of morphine for breakthrough pain or shortness of breath, Ativan for anxiety attacks, Compazine for nausea, Haldol for delirium, Tylenol for fever, and atropine for drying up the upper-airway rattle that people can get in their final hours.

NEWYORKER: Letting Go

The original OxyContin was, initially, seen as a breakthrough in pain relief because it would slowly release its active ingredient, oxycodone, over 12 hours, allowing people with chronic pain to be able to take fewer pills, sleep through the night, and generally be less tortured by their condition.

FORBES: Is The Era Of OxyContin Abuse Over?

The Swiss firm heralded it as a breakthrough for millions of people with stomach pain, indigestion and other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

FORBES: Crisis in the Cabinet