Oxycodone may lead to addiction. Follow the prescription for oxycodone exactly. Do not take it in larger amounts, more frequently, or otherwise differently than prescribed by your doctor. Discuss your pain management options, treatment duration, and goals with your healthcare professional while using oxycodone. Inform your doctor if you or any family members regularly use significant amounts of alcohol, take street drugs, abuse prescription drugs excessively, experience overdosing, or currently suffer from depression or another mental disorder. If you currently have or have previously had any of these conditions, there is a higher chance that you may abuse oxycodone. If you believe you may have an opioid addiction, speak with your healthcare physician right away and ask for advice. You can also contact the SAMHSA National Helpline by calling 1-800-662-HELP.

During the first 24 to 72 hours of treatment and whenever your dose is increased, oxycodone might cause serious or life-threatening respiratory issues. Throughout your therapy, your doctor will keep a close eye on you. If you have asthma or slow breathing, let your doctor know. Most likely, your doctor will advise against taking oxycodone. A head injury, a brain tumour, or any condition that raises your blood pressure should also be disclosed to your doctor. Lung conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of illnesses that affect the lungs and airways, should also be mentioned. The likelihood that you will experience breathing issues may be increased if you are an older adult, weak, or undernourished as a result of a sickness. Get emergency medical care if you encounter any of the following symptoms, or call your doctor right away: sluggish breathing, protracted breath gaps, or shortness of breath.

With oxycodone, there is a higher chance of experiencing severe or even fatal breathing issues, sedation, or coma. If you now take or intend to take any of the following medications, inform your doctor and chemist right away: some antifungal drugs including itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and voriconazole (Vfend); specific antibiotics such erythromycin (Erytab, Erythrocin) and clarithromycin (Biaxin, in PrevPac); benzodiazepines such triazolam (Halcion), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Restoril), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clonazepam (Klonopin), estazolam (Xanax), flurazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Diastat); drugs for pain, nausea, and mental disease; muscle relaxants; and carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol, and Teril); a few HIV drugs, such as ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), nelfinavir (Viracept), and indinavir (Crixivan); phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate); and rifabutin (Mycobutin); sedatives, tranquillizers, or sleeping medications. Your prescription doses may need to be adjusted, and your doctor will closely monitor you. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking oxycodone with any of these drugs: unusual dizziness, lightheadedness, excessive drowsiness, slowed or laboured breathing, or unresponsiveness. If you are unable to seek treatment on your own, make sure your carer or family members are aware of any symptoms that may be dangerous so they can contact the doctor or emergency services.

You run a higher chance of developing severe, potentially fatal adverse effects while receiving oxycodone treatment if you consume alcohol, use prescription or over-the-counter drugs that do, or use illicit substances. During your treatment, refrain from drinking alcohol, taking alcohol-containing prescription or over-the-counter medications, or using illegal substances.

If you’re taking extended-release oxycodone pills, swallow them whole; don’t chew, split, crush, or dissolve them. The pill should not be presoaked, licked, or otherwise moistened before being swallowed. Each tablet should be immediately swallowed after being taken. You risk taking too much oxycodone at once rather than gradually over the course of 12 hours if you ingest extended-release pills that have been chewed, crushed, chewed, or dissolved. Serious issues including overdose and death could result from this.

Both a standard liquid solution of oxycodone and a concentrated solution, which contains more oxycodone per millilitre of solution, are available. Make sure you are aware of the dosage in millilitres and if your doctor has recommended the ordinary or concentrated solution. Measure the precise number of millilitres of solution that your doctor advised using the dosage cup, oral syringe, or dropper that came with your prescription. If you have any questions about how to measure your dose or how much medication you should take, carefully read the instructions that come with your prescription. You can also speak with your doctor or chemist if you have any further concerns. If you use an oxycodone solution that has a different concentration or if you use a different dosage than what your doctor has advised, you run the risk of experiencing serious or even fatal adverse effects.

Do not share your medication with anybody else. Children in particular are particularly vulnerable to damage or death from oxycodone.

So that no one else can take it intentionally or accidently, store oxycodone in a secure location. Oxycodone should be kept out of children’s reach at all times. Keep track of how many tablets, capsules, or liquids are remaining so you can identify any missing medications. Follow the directions for disposing of unneeded capsules, tablets, extended-release tablets, capsules, and liquid. (See STORAGE and DISPOSAL).

If you are pregnant or want to become pregnant, let your doctor know. Regular oxycodone use during pregnancy increases the risk of your unborn child developing potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms. If your infant exhibits any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor straight away: irritability, hyperactivity, disturbed sleep, high-pitched crying, excessive shaking of a body part, vomiting, diarrhoea, or failure to gain weight.

The dangers of oxycodone use should be discussed with your doctor.

The manufacturer’s patient information document (Medication Guide) will be provided to you by your doctor or chemist when you start your oxycodone therapy and each time you fill your prescription. If you have any questions, carefully read the information and ask your doctor or chemist. The Medication Guide is also available on the manufacturer’s website or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm).

The use of oxycodone is to treat moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone extended-release tablets and capsules are used to treat severe pain in patients who cannot be addressed with other medications and are anticipated to require pain medication 24 hours a day for a long time. Pain that can be managed by medication taken as needed shouldn’t be treated with oxycodone extended-release tablets or capsules. Only individuals who have been taking opioid drugs for at least one week and are tolerant to their effects should be treated with oxycodone extended-release tablets, extended-release capsules, and concentrated solution. The drug oxycodone belongs to the group of drugs known as opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It functions by altering how the nerve system and brain react to pain.

Other formulations of oxycodone include those including acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen (Percodan, Oxycet, Roxicet, Xartemis XR, among others). Only details about the exclusive use of oxycodone are covered in this monograph. If you are using an oxycodone combination product, make sure to read the information about all the chemicals in the product you are taking and seek further clarification from your doctor or chemist.

For oral administration, oxycodone is offered as a liquid solution, concentrated solution, tablet, capsule, extended-release (long-acting) tablet (Oxycontin), and extended-release capsule (Xtampza ER). The solution, concentrated solution, pill, and capsule are typically taken every 4 to 6 hours with or without meals, either as needed for pain relief or as part of a regular medicine schedule. You can take Oxycontin extended-release pills with or without food every 12 hours. Every 12 hours, take the extended-release capsules (Xtampza ER) with food. Have the same amount of food with each dose. Ask your doctor or chemist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Follow the prescription for oxycodone exactly.

If you’re using Oxaydo brand tablets, take each one with a full glass of water. Immediately after putting the tablet in your mouth, swallow it. Pre-soaking, wetting, or licking the tablets before swallowing them is not advised. Do not chew or crush tablets under the Oxaydo brand. and avoid administering them via a nasogastric tube (NG tube; a tube threaded through the nose to deliver food and medication directly to the stomach).

If extended-release capsules (Xtampza ER) are difficult for you to swallow, carefully open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on soft foods like applesauce, custard, yoghurt, ice cream, or jam. Next, immediately eat the resulting concoction. The empty capsule shells should be thrown away right away by flushing them into the toilet. Never keep the combination on hand for later usage.

The extended-release capsule’s contents can be put into a feeding tube if you have one. Ask your doctor how you should take the medicine, and pay close attention to these instructions.

Your doctor might advise you to mix the drug, if you’re taking the concentrated form, in a little juice or semisolid food, such custard or applesauce. Pay close attention to these guidelines. Do not save the concoction for later use; immediately swallow it.

If your pain is not under control, your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of oxycodone and may gradually increase it. Your body could get accustomed to oxycodone after you take it for a while. If this occurs, your doctor might have to raise your dosage to keep your pain under control. If you encounter side effects, your doctor might reduce your dose. Discuss your feelings as they relate to your oxycodone treatment with your doctor.

Without consulting your doctor, do not discontinue taking oxycodone. You might experience withdrawal symptoms like agitation, sweating, chills, muscle or joint aches or pains, weakness, irritability, anxiety, depression, trouble falling or staying asleep, cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, rapid heartbeat, and fast breathing if you stop taking this medication abruptly. Your dose will likely be gradually reduced by your doctor.

Ask your doctor or chemist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before taking oxycodone,

• If you have an allergy to oxycodone, any other medications, or any of the substances in the oxycodone product you want to take, let your doctor and pharmacist know right once. Get a list of the ingredients from your chemist.
• Inform your doctor and chemist about any additional prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal items, nutritional supplements, and other drugs you are now taking or intend to take. Mention any of the following as well as the medications specified in the IMPORTANT WARNING section. drugs for colds and allergies that contain antihistamines; diuretics (water tablets); dextromethorphan (found in several cough medicines; in Nuedexta); buprenorphine (Butrans, in Suboxone, in Zubsolv, among others); butorphanol; cyclobenzaprine (Amrix); drugs for glaucoma, irritable bowel syndrome, and urinary issues;Almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex, in Treximet), and zolmitriptan (Zomig); mirtazapine (Remeron); nalbuphine; lithium (Lithobid); pentazocine (Talwin), naloxone (Evzio, Narcan, among other drugs), 5-HT3 receptor antagonists such alosetron (Lotronex), dolasetron (Anzemet), granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran, Zuplenz), or palonosetron (Aloxi), as well as granisetron, ondansetron, and palonosetron; selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, in Symbyax), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Brisdelle, Prozac, Pexeva), and sertraline (Zoloft); serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake blockers such milnacipran (Savella), desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq), and venlafaxine (Effexor); trazodone (Oleptro), tramadol (Conzip, Ultram, in Ultracet), or tricyclic antidepressants (often known as “mood elevators”) including amitriptyline, clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Silenor), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), protriptyline (Viv (Surmontil). Tell your physician or chemist if you are taking any of the following monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or have stopped taking them within the previous two weeks: methylene blue, isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including any that do not appear on this list, as many additional drugs may interact with oxycodone. Your doctor might need to adjust your medication doses or keep a close eye out for any negative side effects.
• Inform your doctor about the herbal supplements you are taking, especially if you take St. John’s wort or tryptophan.
• Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had paralytic ileus or any of the disorders listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section (condition in which digested food does not move through the intestines). Your physician might advise against taking oxycodone.
• Also let your doctor know if you have or have ever had a stomach or intestine blockage, low blood pressure, seizures, Addison’s disease (a condition in which the adrenal gland does not produce enough hormone), urethral strictures (blockages of the tubes that allow urine to leave the body), enlarged prostates (male reproductive glands), issues urinating, or heart, kidney, liver, pancreas, thyroid, or gall bladder disease. If you plan to use extended-release tablets or capsules, be sure to let your doctor know if you currently or ever have trouble swallowing, colon cancer, which starts in the large intestine, diverticulitis, or esophageal cancer are three examples of diseases that can affect the digestive system (cancer that begins in the tube that connects the mouth and stomach).
• Describe to your doctor if you are nursing a baby.
• You should be aware that this medicine may lower both male and female fertility. The dangers of oxycodone use should be discussed with your doctor.
• Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking oxycodone if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.
• You should be aware that this medicine may cause you to feel sleepy. Drive a car, operate machinery, or engage in any other potentially risky activities until you have a better understanding of how this drug affects you.
• You should be aware that oxycodone can make you feel faint, lightheaded, and dizzy if you stand up too rapidly from a laying posture. Slowly getting out of bed and letting your feet rest on the floor for a few minutes before standing up will help you prevent this issue.
• It’s important to be aware that oxycodone can cause constipation. If you experience constipation while taking oxycodone, discuss with your doctor whether you should alter your diet or take other drugs.

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

Take the missing dose of oxycodone right away if you take it on a regular basis. Skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular dosing plan, nevertheless, if it is almost time for the subsequent dose. Never take two doses at once to make up for missing ones. The extended-release pills or tablets should not be taken more than once every 12 hours.

Side effects from oxycodone are possible. If any of these symptoms persist or are severe, consult your doctor right away.

• Mouth ache
• Abdominal pain
• Drowsiness
• Flushing
• Headache
• Mood shifts

Certain adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical assistance if you develop any of these signs or any of the ones listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section:

• Alterations in heartbeat
• Agitation, hallucinations (hearing voices or seeing things that are not there), disorientation, fever, sweating, shivering, extremely stiff or twitching muscles, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
• Nausea, vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, or lightheadedness
• Failure to achieve or maintain erection
• Irregular periods of time
• Less sexual arousal
• Chest ache
• Hives
• Itching
• Rash
• Edoema of the hands, feet, ankles, lower legs, cheeks, neck, tongue, lips, and eyes
• Hoarseness
• Breathing or swallowing challenges
• Seizures
• Extreme somnolence
• Feeling dizzy when shifting positions

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Further negative effects of oxycodone are possible. If you have any strange side effects while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right once.

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it away from light, excessive heat, and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom). Any medication that has expired or is no longer needed must be disposed of right away via a medicine take-back programme. If there isn’t a take-back programme close by or one you can quickly get to, flush any obsolete or unnecessary prescription down the toilet to prevent others from using it. See your chemist for advice on how to properly dispose of your medications.

Although many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Moreover, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

You should speak with your doctor about keeping naloxone, a life-saving drug, on hand while taking oxycodone (e.g., home, office). Naloxone is used to undo an overdose’s potentially fatal consequences. To treat harmful symptoms brought on by excessive levels of opiates in the blood, it functions by inhibiting the effects of opiates. If you live with young children or someone who has abused prescription or illicit drugs, your doctor could also advise you to get naloxone. Make sure you, your family, your caretakers, and anyone else who spends time with you are aware of the signs of an overdose, how to administer naloxone, and what to do until emergency assistance arrives. You and your family members will be shown how to use the medication by your doctor or chemist. For the directions, speak to your chemist or go to the manufacturer’s website. A carer or family member should administer the first dosage of naloxone if overdose symptoms appear, dial 911 right away, and stay by your side while keeping a careful eye on you until emergency medical assistance comes. After receiving naloxone, your symptoms can come back a short while later. The person should administer you another dose of naloxone if your symptoms come back. If symptoms reappear before receiving medical attention, more doses may be given every 2 to 3 minutes.

Overdose signs could include the following:

• Having trouble breathing
• Breathing slowed or stopped
• Extreme drowsiness
• Weak or limp muscles
• Pupil dilation or dilation of the pupils (dark circle in the eye)
• Clammy, frigid skin
• Not able to speak or awaken

Keep all of your doctor’s appointments. To monitor how your body reacts to oxycodone, your doctor might request specific lab tests.

Inform the lab staff and your doctor that you are taking oxycodone before undergoing any laboratory test (particularly ones that use methylene blue).

This prescription can’t be renewed. Call your doctor if the pain persists after you’ve finished the oxycodone.

You should keep a written record of every drug you take, including prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medications, vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements. Every time you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital, you should carry this list with you. Also, it is crucial to have this knowledge on hand in case of emergency.