REDDING, Calif. -- A new formula for OxyContin may help prevent abuse of the powerful narcotic. A spokesperson for the drug's manufacturer Purdue Pharma says the company has "reformulated the medicine in an effort to battle abuse," but that's about all they're saying. The company declined to release information as to how the new pills work, but the U.S Food and Drug Administration said in a statement "the reformulated OxyContin is intended to prevent the opioid medication from being cut, broken, chewed, crushed or dissolved to release more medication."

Dr. Michael Jorde, co-owner of Redding's Hilltop Medical Clinic, says the most common ways people abuse OxyContin are by snorting or injecting the medication.

"They're getting that quick rush or buzz, but it can be very damaging," Jorde said. He's spoken with lead pharmacists in the area and speculates that the new pills contain an anti-norcotic called Naloxone. "The synopsis that I heard is basically it is encapsulated in a way that if you alter the capsule it will discharge the Naloxone, and basically inactivate the whole tablet."

While Dr. Jorde's speculation is just that, local pharmacy owner Ron Lim says something needed to be done. He says the abuse is "out of control, and this is a good first step."

Lim says Purdue Pharma hasn't clued him in on the exact change, but he says his patients can already tell the difference. "A lot of people are calling and asking, do you have the old one? So, I'm assuming those are not for the intended use."

The FDA says they are waiting for a study to be done on the affects of the new formula, and if it actually fights abuse. As of now, they have no proof, and there is no time line for the study to be completed.