Oxycodone for pain relief

OxyContin, OxyNorm

Oxycodone is prescribed to treat severe pain.

You may be prescribed oxycodone to take regularly, or only when it is needed for pain relief. Make sure you know which is right for you.

The most common side-effects are constipation, drowsiness and feeling sick (nausea). Your doctor will be able to prescribe medicines for you to take with oxycodone to help with some of these side-effects.

Strong opioids (sometimes called opiates) are medicines used to treat severe pain. Oxycodone is a type of strong opioid. It is used in particular to treat pain after a surgical operation and pain caused by cancer. It works on your nervous system and brain to reduce the amount of pain you feel. Oxycodone for pain relief

Oxycodone can be taken as capsules or as a liquid medicine, both of which start working quickly to ease pain. It can also be taken as slow-release tablets – these release oxycodone over several hours to provide a more even pain control. It is also available as an injection. Oxycodone is sometimes used in combination with another medicine called naloxone (in a brand called Targinact®). The naloxone helps to reduce some of the side-effects of oxycodone, such as constipation.

How to store oxycodone

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Many liquid preparations of oxycodone only keep for a few weeks once the bottle has been opened. Check the label for further details and write on it the date you open the bottle. Oxycodone for pain relief

Getting the most from your treatment

• Ask your doctor for advice before drinking alcohol while you are on this medicine. Your doctor may recommend you do not drink alcohol while you are on oxycodone because it increases the possibility of side-effects such as feeling dizzy and sleepy.
• If you are a driver, please be aware that oxycodone is likely to affect your reactions and ability to drive. It is an offence to drive while your reactions are impaired. Even if your driving ability is not impaired, should you drive, you are advised to carry with you some evidence that the medicine has been prescribed for you – a repeat prescription form or a patient information leaflet from the pack is generally considered suitable.
• There are several different brands and strengths of oxycodone tablets and capsules. Each time you collect a prescription, check to make sure it contains what you are expecting. Ask your pharmacist to check for you if you are unsure about anything.
• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking oxycodone as a painkiller.