What is Oxycontin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Oxycontin

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. An overdose can be dangerous. Follow directions carefully so you do not get too much medicine at one time.

• Extended-release tablet: Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Do not take a tablet that is chipped or broken.Do not soak, lick, or wet the tablet before you place it in your mouth. Take 1 tablet at a time with enough water to swallow it completely.

• Extended-release capsule: Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk. Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open it and sprinkle the contents on soft foods (such as applesauce, pudding, ice cream, or jam) or into a cup. Eat the mixture or swallow the contents immediately. Drink a glass of water after you take the medicine to make sure you get a full dose.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the medicine in a safe and secure place. Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

What to do if you miss a dose of Oxycontin

Oxycontin contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to oxycodone or other narcotic medicine, or if you have a stomach or bowel blockage.

Oxycontin warnings

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, breathing problems or lung disease (such as asthma, COPD, sleep apnea), low blood pressure, digestion problems, an enlarged prostate, gallbladder disease, pancreas disease, or trouble swallowing or urinating. Tell your doctor if you have a history of head injury, brain tumor, depression, seizures, or alcohol or drug addiction.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:High risk of overdose, which can lead to deathRespiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening)Sleep-related breathing problems (including sleep apnea, sleep-related hypoxemia)Serotonin syndrome, when used with certain medicines

• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or faint. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Stand up carefully.

• This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

Oxycontin interactions

• Some medicines can affect how oxycodone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Carbamazepine, cyclobenzaprine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, metaxalone, mirtazapine, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir, tramadol, or trazodoneDiuretic (water pill)Medicine to treat depression, anxiety, and mental healthMedicine to treat migraine headachesPhenothiazine medicine

• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are also using buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, or a muscle relaxer.

• Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days.

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or faint. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Stand up carefully.

• This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.