How does it work?

Oxycodone belongs to a group of medicines called opioids. Opioids mimic the effects of naturally occurring pain-relieving chemicals (endorphins). They bind to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord called opioid receptors, which results in the blocking of transmission of pain signals. Oxycodone is used to relieve severe pain associated with cancer and following surgery.

What is it used for?

Moderate to severe pain in cancer or following surgery

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

Dependence may occur. This means that the patient finds it very difficult to stop using the medicine.

The effectiveness of this medicine may decrease if used for long periods of time (tolerance).

The controlled release preparation of this medicine (OxyContin) is not recommended before, or for 24 hours following surgery.

The "Oxynorm" preparations of this medicine contain the colouring sunset yellow. This may cause allergic reactions such as asthma, particularly in people with an allergy to aspirin.

Use with caution in

Chronic liver disease

Dependence on opioids (such as heroin)

Diseases of the bile ducts

Enlarged prostate gland

Hypothyroidism

Increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure)

Inflammation of pancreas

Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

Intoxication induced by the rapid ingestion of alcoholic drinks (acute alcoholism)

Lack of production of natural steroid hormones from the adrenal gland (adrenocortical insufficiency)

Long-term kidney disease

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Low volume of circulating blood (hypovolaemia)

Mild decrease in liver function

Mild to moderately decreased kidney function

Recent abdominal surgery

Weak or debilitated people

Not to be used in

Abnormally high amount of carbon dioxide in the blood (hypercarbia)

Before surgery on the spinal cord (cordotomy) or other pain relieving surgical proceedures

Breastfeeding

Children or adolescents under 18 years of age

Chronic asthma

Chronic constipation

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Delayed emptying of the stomach contents into the intestine

Emergency condition caused by damage to one or more of the organs in the abdomen following injury or disease (acute abdomen)

Failure of function of part of the gut causing an obstruction (paralytic ileus)

Head injury

Moderate to severely decreased liver function

Pregnancy

Severely decreased kidney function

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers as it may be harmful to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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