OxyContin (extended-release oxycodone) can cause both common and serious side effects. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, itching, dry mouth, sweating, and weakness. Because oxycodone affects the central nervous system, it can also impair alertness, concentration, coordination, and the ability to drive or operate machinery safely.

More serious effects include dangerously slowed or difficult breathing, extreme sedation, confusion, fainting, low blood pressure, allergic reactions, and loss of consciousness. Respiratory depression can be life-threatening, particularly when OxyContin is taken in higher-than-prescribed amounts or combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleeping medicines, or other drugs that cause sedation.

Long-term or repeated use can lead to physical dependence, tolerance, and opioid use disorder. Stopping suddenly after prolonged use may cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, sweating, muscle aches, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and insomnia. OxyContin should therefore be taken only according to a healthcare professional’s instructions.

The extended-release tablet must be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, chewed, dissolved, or otherwise altered, because doing so can release oxycodone too rapidly and increase the risk of overdose. OxyContin should never be shared with another person. If someone taking oxycodone develops very slow or stopped breathing, cannot be awakened, or loses consciousness, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

OxyContin (Oxycodone Extended-Release)

Overview

OxyContin is an extended-release prescription formulation of oxycodone, an opioid analgesic used to manage severe, persistent pain when continuous, around-the-clock opioid treatment is appropriate. It is formulated to release oxycodone gradually over an extended period.

OxyContin is a potent opioid and carries risks including respiratory depression, misuse, addiction, physical dependence, overdose, and death. It should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Uses

OxyContin may be prescribed for severe pain that requires continuous, long-term opioid treatment when other treatment options are inadequate or unsuitable.

It is not intended for occasional, mild, or short-term pain unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.

Dosage and Administration

The appropriate dose is individualized according to factors such as previous opioid exposure, pain severity, medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications.

The 80 mg strength is generally reserved for patients who are opioid-tolerant and should only be used when specifically prescribed.

Take OxyContin exactly as prescribed. Extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole with water. Do not crush, chew, dissolve, or otherwise alter the tablet, because this can cause rapid release of oxycodone and potentially result in a fatal overdose.

Never increase the dose or frequency without medical direction.

Common Side Effects

Possible side effects include:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Itching
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Weakness
• Abdominal discomfort
• Reduced appetite

Drowsiness and impaired coordination may make driving or operating machinery unsafe.

Serious Side Effects

Seek urgent medical attention for:

• Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing
• Unusual difficulty staying awake
• Extreme sleepiness or inability to wake
• Confusion
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Severe allergic reaction
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe low blood pressure
• Signs of overdose

Severe respiratory depression can be fatal.

Warnings and Precautions

OxyContin carries important risks of misuse, abuse, addiction, overdose, and death.

Extra caution is required in people with breathing problems, certain lung conditions, head injuries, liver or kidney problems, low blood pressure, or a history of substance-use problems.

Combining oxycodone with alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleeping medicines, or other central nervous system depressants can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, or death.

Do not share OxyContin with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.

Dependence, Tolerance, and Withdrawal

Repeated opioid use can cause physical dependence and tolerance. Physical dependence does not necessarily mean that someone has opioid use disorder.

Stopping OxyContin suddenly after prolonged use can produce withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Anxiety or restlessness
• Sweating
• Muscle aches
• Insomnia
• Runny nose
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea

A healthcare professional can determine whether the medication should be gradually reduced rather than stopped abruptly.

Drug Interactions

Tell your healthcare professional about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and recreational substances you use.

Particularly important interactions include:

• Alcohol
• Benzodiazepines
• Sedatives and sleeping medicines
• Other opioids
• Certain medications that affect the central nervous system
• Some medicines that alter oxycodone metabolism

Combining multiple sedating substances can substantially increase the risk of respiratory depression and overdose.

Overdose

An oxycodone overdose can cause extreme sleepiness, pinpoint pupils, slowed or stopped breathing, unconsciousness, coma, and death.

If an overdose is suspected, call emergency medical services immediately. Naloxone is an opioid overdose-reversal medication and may restore breathing temporarily, but emergency medical evaluation is still required because its effects can wear off before the opioid does.

Storage and Disposal

Keep OxyContin securely stored and away from children, visitors, and anyone for whom it was not prescribed.

Do not give unused tablets to another person. Follow local pharmacy or healthcare-authority instructions for safe disposal of unused opioid medication.

Important Safety Information

OxyContin should be used only under medical supervision and exactly according to the prescription. Never take a higher dose, take it more frequently, or alter the tablet to make it release faster.

If you experience unexpected or severe symptoms, contact a healthcare professional promptly. For severe breathing problems, loss of consciousness, or suspected overdose, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

This information is for educational purposes and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional or the prescribing information supplied with the medication.