Sales of narcotic analgesics - pain drugs, such as OxyContin, intended to reduce pain without resulting in the loss of consciousness - have easily exceeded $6 billion this year. Following are the biggest sellers by group, according to prescription sales for January to October 2008, and a look at which drug makers have the greatest share of the market:

Oxycodone

Total (doesn't include Percodan): $2.89 billion

Purdue Pharma LP (OxyContin): $1.83 billion, 64 percent

Teva Pharmaceutical (Oxycodone HCL ER): $303.1 million, 10.5 percent

Endo Labs/Endo Generic Products (Percocet, other drugs): $200.8 million, 7 percent

Mallinckrodt (multiple drugs): $196.1 million, 7 percent

Other: $348.2 million, 12 percent

Fentanyl

Total: $1.55 billion

Mylan: $477.9 million, 31 percent

Janssen Pharmaceuticals (Duragesic): $227.3 million, 15 percent

Cephalon Inc. (Fentora, Actiq): $257.4 million, 17 percent

Watson Labs (Fentanyl, Fentanyl Citrate): $226.3 million, 15 percent

Sandoz: $183 million, 12 percent

Other: $179.9 million, 12 percent

Morphine and other opium derivatives

Total: $929.7 million

Alpharma (Kadian): $226.2 million, 24 percent

Endo Labs/Endo Generic Products (Opana ER, morphine sulfate): $160.5 million, 17 percent

King Pharmaceuticals (Avinza): $145.4 million, 16 percent

Hospira: $108.4 millio n, 12 percent

Other: $289.1 million, 31 percent

Source: IMS Health, a health care information company. The figures represent prescription drugs only. Wholesale prices and mail service are not projected. Data analyzed, and market shares and some aggregate sales figures determined by reporter Michael Schroeder. Percentages are rounded off and may not add up to 100.