Oxycontin removed from Walgreens Tampa Bay locations

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. As a response to recent pharmacy robberies in the Tampa Bay area, Walgreens has decided to remove the drug Oxycontin from some of its Tampa Bay stores, according to published reports.

Oxycontin, which is supposed to be used in treatment for severe pain or injuries, as well as cancer, has been identified as a street drug with names like OC, Ox, Kicker or Oxy. The most recent robbery occurred on March 27, according to published reports, during which a man pulled out a gun to obtain Oxycontin.

Carol Hively, a spokesperson from Walgreens, released the following statement in response to the news of the removal of Oxycontin:

“Walgreens is in the process of removing OxyContin from some of its stores in the Tampa area. This is a temporary measure we’re taking for the safety of our customers and employees, in response to local robberies. Signs are posted in our stores informing pharmacy patients of the change.”