{"id":632010,"date":"2025-04-18T17:09:24","date_gmt":"2025-04-18T21:09:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632010"},"modified":"2026-03-17T15:11:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T19:11:50","slug":"fentanyl-vs-oxycodone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/fentanyl-vs-oxycodone\/","title":{"rendered":"Fentanyl vs. oxycodone: Differences, similarities & risks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fentanyl<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>oxycodone<\/span><\/a> are two potent opioid medications used to treat severe pain. These prescription drugs work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and body to reduce pain signals. If you go through a serious injury or experience chronic pain that won’t respond to regular <\/span>painkillers<\/span><\/a>, a healthcare provider may prescribe one of these medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both fentanyl and oxycodone are generic opioid pain relievers that are also available in brand-name versions. They\u2019re meant to be used for a short time. Both drugs are classified as Schedule II <\/span>controlled substances<\/span><\/a>, which means they have a high potential for abuse, misuse, and dependence. Therefore, it’s important to use them only with guidance from a healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between fentanyl and oxycodone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fentanyl vs. oxycodone: Key differences<\/span><\/h2>\n

Although fentanyl and oxycodone work similarly as opioid analgesics (painkillers), they have several differences. Fentanyl is a generic synthetic opioid<\/a> that was <\/span>first approved in 1968<\/span><\/a> by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It\u2019s available as a lozenge, patch, injection, and sublingual (placed under the tongue) or buccal (placed inside the cheek) tablet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Oxycodone is a generic semi-synthetic opioid first <\/span>approved by the FDA in 1950<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s typically taken as an immediate-release or extended-release tablet or capsule. Oxycodone is also available as a liquid oral solution.<\/span><\/p>\n

The dosages of fentanyl<\/a> and oxycodone can vary depending on the type of pain being treated and how a person responds to treatment. Fentanyl is considered more potent than oxycodone and is one of the strongest opioids available. It also has a longer duration of action than oxycodone: A fentanyl patch can <\/span>last up to 72 hours<\/span><\/a>, while an oxycodone immediate-release tablet lasts for around three to four hours. However, oxycodone is also available in extended-release versions that can last for up to 12 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare fentanyl vs. oxycodone key differences<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nFentanyl<\/b><\/td>\nOxycodone<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nOpioid<\/span><\/td>\nOpioid<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the brand name?<\/b><\/td>\nActiq, Duragesic, Fentora, Sublimaze<\/span><\/td>\nRoxybond, Roxicodone, Percodan, Oxycontin, Xtampza ER<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What forms does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nLozenge, sublingual tablet, buccal tablet, patch, injection<\/span><\/td>\nTablet, capsule, extended-release tablet, extended-release capsule, liquid oral solution<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nDosage depends on pain severity, response to treatment, previous use of other pain relievers, and potential risk for addiction or misuse<\/span><\/td>\nDosage depends on pain severity, response to treatment, previous use of other pain relievers, and potential risk for addiction or misuse<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term with medical supervision<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term with medical supervision<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults<\/span><\/td>\nAdults<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Fentanyl vs. oxycodone: Conditions treated<\/span><\/h2>\n

Fentanyl and oxycodone are approved by the FDA to treat moderate to severe pain that doesn\u2019t get better with non-opioid medications. They are usually reserved for situations when other pain relievers, like <\/span>nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)<\/span><\/a>, aren\u2019t effective enough. Fentanyl, in particular, is often prescribed for patients who have already been using other opioids like morphine or oxycodone for at least a week.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These drugs are commonly used to manage acute pain following surgery or a major injury. In addition to postoperative pain, they may also be prescribed for <\/span>chronic pain<\/span><\/a> associated with conditions like cancer. However, they are not generally recommended for long-term use due to the risk of addiction and potential overdose. Healthcare providers try to prescribe the smallest effective dose for pain control and for the shortest time necessary to minimize risks.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare fentanyl vs. oxycodone conditions treated<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nFentanyl<\/b><\/td>\nOxycodone<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pain so severe that it requires the use of an opioid, and when other treatments are inadequate<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is fentanyl stronger than oxycodone?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both opioids are potent and effective for pain relief. However, fentanyl may have a stronger analgesic effect than oxycodone. For comparison, oxycodone is up to <\/span>two times<\/span><\/a> stronger than morphine. On the other hand, fentanyl is around <\/span>50\u2013100 times<\/span><\/a> stronger than morphine. Therefore, after doing the math, fentanyl could be 25 to 50 times stronger than oxycodone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, some studies suggest that fentanyl and oxycodone provide similar pain relief in real-world applications. In <\/span>one study<\/span><\/a>, patients who used oxycodone for pain relief after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a procedure to remove the gallbladder, required less medication than those who used fentanyl. However, the oxycodone group experienced more nausea between six and 24 hours post-operation. Despite these differences, there were no significant differences in overall patient satisfaction or other side effects between the two groups.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another study<\/span><\/a> looked at the use of oxycodone and fentanyl after laparoscopic hysteromyomectomy, a minimally invasive surgery to remove uterine fibroids. Both medications provided similar pain scores, but more patients were more satisfied with oxycodone (73.3%) than fentanyl (36.7%). In addition, patients taking oxycodone had fewer headaches after the surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n

Effectiveness can also depend on the amount of fentanyl or oxycodone taken and how each person reacts to the medication. It’s important to use these opioids only with medical guidance to ensure they are safe and effective.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fentanyl vs. oxycodone: Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n

Fentanyl and oxycodone are available in both generic and brand-name forms. Many insurance and Medicare plans usually cover these drugs, but coverage can vary based on the insurance plan. Prices may also vary depending on the pharmacy location and whether a person has met their deductible. Patients may need prior authorization from their healthcare provider, especially for fentanyl, due to its high potency.<\/span><\/p>\n

Retail prices for prescription opioids can change based on the pharmacy, dosage form, and the quantity purchased. Without insurance, the <\/span>cost of oxycodone<\/span><\/a> is roughly $310 per month, while <\/span>fentanyl’s average cost<\/span><\/a> can hover around $178. The availability of these medicines can depend on the demand and supply at your local pharmacy.<\/span><\/p>\n

You may be able to save on retail prescription costs with discount cards like <\/span>SingleCare<\/span><\/a>. These cards often provide helpful savings on pain medicine, especially for those without insurance. With your SingleCare card or the SingleCare app, you can access coupons for <\/span>fentanyl<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>oxycodone<\/span><\/a> to bring the cost down to $39 and $77, respectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Compare fentanyl vs. oxycodone cost & coverage<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nFentanyl<\/b><\/td>\nOxycodone<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n2 boxes of 5 patches each<\/span><\/td>\n20, 5 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$39<\/span><\/td>\n$77<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Fentanyl vs. oxycodone side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

As part of the same drug class, fentanyl and oxycodone share many of the same side effects. The most common side effects of opioid pain medications include <\/span>central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects<\/span><\/a> like drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, weakness, fatigue, and headaches. These medications can also cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. In addition, increased sweating and itching are possible while using opiates like fentanyl and oxycodone.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare fentanyl vs. oxycodone side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nFentanyl<\/b><\/td>\nOxycodone<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side effect<\/b><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/b><\/td>\nFrequency<\/b><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/b><\/td>\nFrequency<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nausea<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>5%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vomiting<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>5%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drowsiness<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>5%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dizziness<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>5%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Insomnia<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>5%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Itching<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n3%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Constipation<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>5%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Increased sweating<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>5%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nN\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weakness<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n2%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headache<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>5%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fatigue<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>5%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nN\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diarrhea<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n>5%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nN\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
Source: DailyMed (<\/span>Fentanyl<\/span><\/a>), DailyMed (<\/span>Oxycodone<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/h5>\n
This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your healthcare provider to learn more.<\/span><\/i><\/h5>\n

Fentanyl and oxycodone drug interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Fentanyl and oxycodone can interact with similar medications, including the following:<\/span><\/p>\n