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.

In particular, during the first 24 to 72 hours of treatment and any time your dose is increased, oxycodone can result in serious or even fatal breathing issues. When you are receiving therapy, your doctor will closely monitor you. If you currently have or have ever had asthma or delayed breathing, let your doctor know. You won’t likely get the okay to use oxycodone from your doctor. 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.

Using oxycodone with some other drugs may increase the risk of serious or life-threatening respiratory issues, sedation, or coma. If you are now taking or intend to take any of the following medications, please let your doctor and chemist know: a few antifungal drugs, such as itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and voriconazole (Vfend); a few antibiotics, such as erythromycin (Erytab, Erythrocin) and clarithromycin (Biaxin, in PrevPac); benzodiazepines such triazolam (Halcion), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam, and temazepam (Restoril), as well as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clonazepam (Klonopin), and diazepam (Diastat, Valium); drugs for mental illness, sickness, or discomfort, such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol, and Teril), as well as muscle relaxants; some anti-HIV drugs, such as phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), nelfinavir (Viracept), and ritonavir (Crixivan), as well as indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), and Norvir (in Kaletra); sedatives, sleeping pills, or tranquillizers, such as rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate), rifabutin (Mycobutin), or rifampin. 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.

The likelihood that you will encounter severe, perhaps fatal adverse effects while receiving oxycodone treatment rises if you consume alcohol, take prescription or nonprescription products that include alcohol, or use illicit narcotics. During your therapy, refrain from drinking alcohol, using illicit substances, or taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications that include alcohol.

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 solution (liquid) and a concentrated solution of oxycodone are available. A concentrated solution has a higher oxycodone content per millilitre of solution. Be sure you are aware of your doctor’s advised dosage in millilitres, as well as whether a regular or concentrated solution is being used. Use the dosage cup, oral syringe, or dropper that came with your medicine to precisely measure the number of millilitres of solution that your doctor advised. 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 with a different concentration or if you use a different dosage than what your doctor has advised, you could encounter 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.

As you start your oxycodone medication and each time you fill your prescription, your doctor or chemist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet (Medication Guide). If you have any questions, thoroughly read the information, then consult your physician or chemist. The Medication Guide is also available on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website or the manufacturer’s website.

Oxycodone is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone extended-release tablets and extended-release capsules are used to relieve severe pain in people who are expected to need pain medication around the clock for a long time and who cannot be treated with other medications. Oxycodone extended-release tablets and extended-release capsules should not be used to treat pain that can be controlled by medication that is taken as needed. Oxycodone extended-release tablets, extended-release capsules, and concentrated solution should only be used to treat people who are tolerant (used to the effects of the medication) to opioid medications because they have taken this type of medication for at least one week. Oxycodone is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.

Oxycodone is also available in combination with acetaminophen (Oxycet, Percocet, Roxicet, Xartemis XR, others); aspirin (Percodan); and ibuprofen. This monograph only includes information about the use of oxycodone alone. If you are taking an oxycodone combination product, be sure to read information about all the ingredients in the product you are taking and ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

A solution (liquid), concentrated solution, tablet, capsule, extended-release (long-acting) tablet (Oxycontin), and extended-release capsule (Xtampza ER) are all oral dosage forms of oxycodone. Every 4 to 6 hours, the solution, concentrated solution, tablet, and capsule are often given with or without food, either as needed to treat pain or as part of a regular medicine schedule. Every 12 hours, with or without food, extended-release pills (Oxycontin) are taken. Eat the same quantity of food with each dose of the extended-release capsules (Xtampza ER); take them every 12 hours. Ask your doctor or chemist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you do not understand, and carefully follow their instructions. Just as prescribed, take oxycodone.

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, pudding, 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 pudding 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 use, let your doctor and chemist 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 drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are now taking or intend to use. Mention the drugs in the IMPORTANT CAUTION section as well as any of the following: diuretics (often known as “water pills”), antihistamines (included in cold and allergy treatments); butorphanol, cyclobenzaprine (Amrix), buprenorphine (Butrans, Suboxone, Zubsolv, among others); dextromethorphan (found in several cough treatments; in Nuedexta); prescription drugs for glaucoma, IBS, and urinary issues; lithium (Lithobid); Medications for migraine headaches include sumatriptan (Imitrex, in Treximet), eletriptan (Relpax), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), and zolmitriptan (Zomig). nalbuphine; naloxone (Evzio, Narcan, and others); pentazocine (Talwin); mirtazapine (Remeron); 5-HT3 receptor antagonists such ondansetron (Zofran, Zuplenz), granisetron (Kytril), alosetron (Lotronex), dolasetron (Anzemet), or palonosetron (Aloxi);  fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, in Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Brisdelle, Prozac, Pexeva), and sertraline (Zoloft) are examples of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors; drugs that block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine include desvenlafaxine and duloxetine (Cymbalta) (Khedezla, Pristiq), trazodone (Oleptro), milnacipran (Savella), and venlafaxine (Effexor); tramadol (Conzip, Ultram, and as Ultracet); or tricyclic antidepressants (often known as “mood lifters”) including amitriptyline, clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Silenor), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil). Tell your doctor or pharmacist 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 those that do not appear on this list, as many other drugs may also interact with oxycodone. Your doctor might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for 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. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had difficulty swallowing, diverticulitis (a condition in which small pouches form in the intestines and become swollen and infected), colon cancer (a cancer that starts in the large intestine), or esophageal cancer if you will be taking the extended-release tablets or extended-release capsules (cancer that begins in the tube that connects the mouth and stomach).
• If you are breastfeeding, let your doctor know.
• 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 as soon as you remember it if you take it regularly. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one. The extended-release pills or capsules should only be taken 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 swings

Some adverse effects may be severe. Get emergency medical assistance or call your doctor right away if you encounter any of these signs or those listed in the IMPORTANT CAUTION 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.Your physician or chemist will demonstrate how to utilise the medication for you and your family members. Visit the manufacturer’s website or ask your chemist for the instructions. An somebody who is caring for you or a member of your family should provide the first dose of naloxone if you experience overdose symptoms, dial 911 right once, and then stay by your side and keep a close eye on you until emergency medical assistance comes. Immediately upon receiving naloxone, your symptoms can come back. A second dosage of naloxone should be administered if your symptoms come back. If symptoms come back before aid arrives, further dosages 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 your doctor and the lab staff that you are taking oxycodone prior to any laboratory test (particularly one that uses methylene blue).

This medication cannot be renewed. Call your doctor if you experience discomfort even after you have finished the oxycodone.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.