Oxycontin

Oxycontin is used to relieve moderate to moderate-to-severe pain. It also is used to relieve postpartum, postoperative, and dental pain.

How should this medicine be used?
Oxycontin comes as a liquid and tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 6 hours as needed; extended-release (long-acting) tablets usually are taken every 12 hours. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Oxycontin exactly as directed.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush extended-release Oxycontin tablets.
Oxycontin can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to. If you have been taking Oxycontin for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking Oxycontin suddenly. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.

What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking Oxycontin,
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Oxycontin, codeine, sulfites (some preparations of Oxycontin contain sulfites and may cause allergic reactions), or any other drugs. If you are allergic to aspirin, tell your doctor and do not take any aspirin and Oxycontin combination product (e.g., Percodan or Roxiprin).
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other pain relievers; antidepressants; medications for cough, cold, allergies, dizziness, nausea, motion sickness; or schizophrenia; sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, urethral stricture, prostatic hypertrophy, or lung or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Oxycontin, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Oxycontin.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from Oxycontin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
• upset stomach
• constipation
• dry mouth
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
• rapid or slow heartbeat
• trouble breathing
• hives
• skin rash
• hallucinations
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• headache
• vomiting
• dizziness.

What storage conditions are needed for this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Dispose of any medication that is outdated or no longer needed by flushing it down the toilet. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.