What is OxyContin?
Oxycontin is an opioid medication that is often known as a Narcotic.
Oxycontin is a powerful prescription medicine that is used in situations where an opioid is required to treat intense suffering enough to warrant 24/7, long-term treatment using an opioid when other treatments for pain, like non-opioid pain medications or immediate-release opioid drugs, don't effectively treat your pain or are not able to tolerate them.
Oxycontin should not be taken on an infrequent basis to treat pain that is not continuous.
Warnings
Oxycontin is not recommended when you suffer from severe asthma, breathing issues, or an obstruction in your stomach or intestines.
The misuse of OXYCONTIN can lead to addiction, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication at a distance from where others can't access it.
Oxycodone taken during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening for the baby.
Fatal side effects can be experienced if you take oxycontin in combination with alcohol or with other medications which cause drowsiness or slow breathing.
Related drugs:
Before you Take this Drug
Do not take oxycontin if your body is allergic to oxycodone or you suffer from:
- Extremely severe asthma or breathing issues severe asthma or breathing problems
- An obstruction in your stomach or the intestines.
It is not recommended to use oxycontin unless you have already been using an opioid similar to it and are tolerant of it.
Oxycontin is not to be given to any child younger than 11 years old.
To ensure this medication is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you've previously had:
- Breathing issues, sleep apnea
- A head injury or seizures;
- Alcohol or drug addiction or mental illness
- Kidney disease or liver failure;
- Urination issues and
- Problems with your gallbladder, thyroid, or pancreas.
If you take oxycontin during pregnancy, the baby could develop dependent on oxycontin. This can cause severe withdrawal symptoms in the newborn after it's born. Babies born dependent on opioids may need medical treatment for several weeks.
Consult a physician before taking oxycodone if nursing. Tell your doctor if you notice a sudden increase in fatigue or a slow breathing rate for your nursing baby.
How to Take OxyContin?
Use oxycontin precisely as directed. Follow the directions on the prescription label, and read all the medication instructions. Don't take oxycodone for more extended quantities or a more extended period than prescribed. Consult your physician if you strongly urge to take more of the drug.
Don't share opioids with anyone else, particularly someone with a history of dependence or abuse. Misusing the medicine can result in addiction, overdose, or even death. Ensure the medication is kept in a safe place so that others cannot access it. Offering or selling opioids is against the law.
Stop taking any other 24-hour opioid pain medication as soon as you begin to take extended-release oxycontin.
Take the tablet with its extended release to be safe from exposure to a fatal overdose. Don't crush, chew, break, or dissolve.
Do not break or crush the oxycontin tablet to inhale the powder or mix it with liquid to inject it into your vein. It could cause death.
It is not recommended to stop taking oxycontin immediately. Follow the instructions of your doctor about the process of tapering your dose.
Place in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat and light. Be sure to keep track of your medication. Oxycodone is an abused substance, and you must be aware of anyone taking your medicine improperly or without a prescription.
Do not store any leftover medication for opioids. One dose could cause death if someone takes the medication incorrectly or incorrectly. Ask your pharmacist for a disposal program. If there's no taking-back system, flush any remaining medicine down the drain.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Because oxycontin is a painkiller, it is unlikely to skip a dose. Don't miss a dose when it's time to take the following amount. Do not take two doses in one go.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency treatment or contact for help at the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An oxycodone-related overdose could be fatal, particularly in children or another drug user with no prescription. Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness and numbness of pupils, a slow breathing rate, or the inability to breathe.
The doctor might suggest that you take Naloxone (a medication to treat an overdose of opioids) and carry it on hand always. The person caring for you could give Naloxone if you lose your breath or don't wake up. The caregiver should still seek medical attention in the event of an emergency. They might need to administer CPR (cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) to you while waiting for assistance.
Naloxone can be purchased from the local pharmacy or health department. Be sure that anyone who cares for you is aware of where you store Naloxone and how to make use of it.
Avoid this
Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects or even death could happen.
Do not drive or operate machinery until you understand the effects of oxycodone. Drowsiness or excessive drowsiness may result in falls or other accidents.
Avoid medication errors. Always verify the strength and brand of oxycodone purchased from your pharmacy.
Side Effects of oxycontn
See a doctor immediately if you exhibit symptoms of an allergy reaction oxycontin: hives or breathing difficulties, or swelling of your lips, face and tongue.
Opioid medicines may slow or stop breathing, and it is possible to die. The person caring for you should administer Naloxone or seek medical attention if you experience slow breath, with pauses for a long time or blue-coloured lips or if it is difficult to get back up.
Contact your doctor immediately If you suffer from the following:
- Loud breathing, sighing breath that is shallow, and breath that stops when you sleep;
- A low heart rate or a weak pulse
- A lightheaded sensation, similar to you're about to pass out.
- The mind, unusual thoughts, or behaviour
- Seizure (convulsions);
- Low levels of cortisol - nausea, nausea, vomiting, more fatigue or weakness; or
- Serotonin levels that are extremely high within the body, such as hallucinations, agitation and sweating. Shaking, rapid heart rate and muscle stiffness. Twitching and loss of coordination. Nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting.
Serious breathing issues could be more prevalent for older people and those who suffer from debilitation or wasting syndrome, or chronic breathing conditions.
Opioid medication used for long periods can alter fertility (the ability to have kids), whether in women or men. It is unclear if the effects of opioids on fertility can be permanent.
Common oxycontin adverse effects could include:
- Drowsiness, headache, dizziness, tiredness; or
- Constipation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects; other effects may also be experienced. Contact your physician for advice regarding the medical consequences. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drugs
When you discontinue or start taking other medicines, there may be breathing issues or withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you are taking any antibiotic or antifungal medication. Blood pressure or heart-related treatment, medicines for seizures or treating HIV and Hepatitis C.
Opioid medications can interact with other medications and cause deadly side effects or even death. Be sure your doctor is aware of if you take:
- Medications for allergies or colds such as bronchodilator asthma/COPD medicine or diuretic ("water pill");
- Medications to treat motion sickness IBS, motion sickness, or bladder overactivity;
- Other opioids - pain medication for opioids as well as prescription-based cough medicines
- Sedative that is similar to Valium is diazepam, alprazolam lorazepam, Xanax, Klonopin, Versed, and others;
- Substances that cause you to be tired or cause breathing to slow; a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, medication to treat mental illnesses or mood disorders; or
- Drugs that alter serotonin levels within your body. A stimulant or medication for Parkinson's disease, depression, severe infections, and migraines such as vomiting and nausea.
The list below isn't exhaustive, and other medications may interfere with oxycodone. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs. They are listed here.
