Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This is especially important for elderly patients, who may be more sensitive to the effects of pain medicines. If too much of this medicine is taken for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).
It is very important that you understand the rules of the Opioid Analgesic REMS program to prevent addiction, abuse, and misuse of oxycodone. This medicine should also come with a Medication Guide and a patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Oxycodone extended-release capsules or tablets should only be used by patients who have already been taking narcotic pain medicines, also called opioids. These patients are called opioid-tolerant. If you are uncertain whether or not you are opioid-tolerant, check with your doctor before using this medicine.
Measure the oral liquid concentrate with the calibrated dropper that comes with the package. Your doctor may have you mix the concentrate with a small amount of liquid or food. Carefully follow the instructions and take the medicine mixture right away.
Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
Swallow the Oxaydo® or OxyContin® tablet whole with water. Do not break, crush, cut, chew, or dissolve it. Do not pre-soak, lick, or wet the tablet before placing it in the mouth. Take one tablet at a time. Also, do not give this medicine through nasogastric or feeding tubes.
If you are using the extended-release capsules:
- Take this medicine with food and with about the same amount of food each time.
- If you have trouble swallowing, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on soft foods (eg, applesauce, pudding, yogurt, ice cream, or jam) or into a cup and swallow immediately. Drink a glass of water to make sure all the medicine has been taken.
- This medicine may also be given through a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube.
Oxycodone extended-release capsules or tablets work differently from the regular oxycodone oral solution or tablets, even at the same dose. Do not switch from one brand or form to the other unless your doctor tells you to.
While taking the Roxybond™ tablet, part of it may pass into your stool. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
- For severe pain:
- Patients who are not taking narcotic medicines or are not opioid tolerant:
- Adults—At first, 9 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours with food. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 288 mg per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Patients switching from other narcotic medicines:
- Adults—The total amount of milligrams (mg) per day will be determined by your doctor and depends on which narcotic you were using. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Patients who are not taking narcotic medicines or are not opioid tolerant:
- For severe pain:
- For oral dosage form (capsules):
- For moderate to severe pain:
- Patients who are not taking narcotic medicines:
- Adults—At first, 5 to 15 milligrams (mg) every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Patients switching from other narcotic medicines:
- Adults—The total amount of milligrams (mg) per day will be determined by your doctor and depends on which narcotic you were using. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Patients who are not taking narcotic medicines:
- For moderate to severe pain:
- For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
- For moderate to severe pain:
- Patients switching from regular oxycodone forms:
- Adults—One tablet every 12 hours. The total amount of milligrams (mg) per day is the same as the total amount of regular oxycodone that is taken per day. The total amount per day will be given as 2 divided doses during the day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children 11 years of age and older—Dose must be determined by your doctor. The patient must already be receiving and tolerating opioids for at least 5 days in a row with a minimum of 20 mg per day of oxycodone or its equivalent for at least 2 days before taking OxyContin®.
- Children younger than 11 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Patients switching from other narcotic medicines:
- Adults—One tablet every 12 hours. The total amount of milligrams (mg) per day will be determined by your doctor and depends on which narcotic you were using. The total amount per day will be given as 2 divided doses during the day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children 11 years of age and older—Dose must be determined by your doctor. The patient must already be receiving and tolerating opioids for at least 5 days in a row with a minimum of 20 mg per day of oxycodone or its equivalent for at least 2 days before taking OxyContin®.
- Children younger than 11 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Patients who are not taking narcotic medicines:
- Adults—At first, 10 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Older adults—At first, 3 to 5 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Patients switching from regular oxycodone forms:
- For moderate to severe pain:
- For oral dosage form (immediate-release tablets):
- For moderate to severe pain:
- Patients who are not taking narcotic medicines:
- Adults—At first, 5 to 15 milligrams (mg) every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Patients switching from other narcotic medicines:
- Adults—The total amount of milligrams (mg) per day will be determined by your doctor and depends on which narcotic you were using. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Patients who are not taking narcotic medicines:
- For moderate to severe pain:
- For oral dosage forms (liquid concentrate or solution):
- For moderate to severe pain:
- Adults—10 to 30 milligrams (mg) every 4 hours as needed. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For moderate to severe pain:
- For oral dosage forms (solution):
- For moderate to severe pain:
- Adults—5 to15 milligrams (mg) every 4 hours as needed. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For moderate to severe pain:
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For moderate to severe pain:
- Adults—At first, 5 to 15 milligrams (mg) every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For moderate to severe pain:
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
If you miss a dose of OxyContin®, Roxicodone®, Roxybond™, or Xtampza® ER, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Oxycodone can cause serious unwanted effects if taken by adults who are not used to strong narcotic pain medicines, children, or pets. Make sure you store the medicine in a safe and secure place to prevent others from getting it.
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
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- Before Using
- Precautions
Portions of this document last updated: June 01, 2024
Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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