OxyNorm

How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient oxycodone hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called an opioid or narcotic analgesic (painkiller). It is related to morphine. Opioid painkillers work by mimicking the action of naturally occurring pain-reducing chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are found in the brain and spinal cord and reduce pain by combining with opioid receptors. Oxycodone mimicks the action of natural endorphins by combining with the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This blocks the transmission of pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt. Oxycodone is used to relieve moderate to severe pain associated with cancer and following surgery. It is also be used to relieve severe pain of other causes that is deemed to require the use of a strong opioid. Oxycodone is available under two brand names, OxyNorm and OxyContin. OxyNorm capsules, liquids and injections are short-acting forms of the medicine. OxyNorm capsules and liquids need to be taken every four to six hours to provide continuous pain relief. The injection may be given more frequently than this, or may be given as a continuous infusion (drip). OxyContin tablets are long-acting "prolonged release" tablets, which are designed to release the oxycodone slowly over a period of 12 hours so that a dose is only needed twice a day.

What is it used for?

Moderate to severe pain in cancer or following surgery

Severe pain that requires the use of a strong opioid

Warning!

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

The prolonged release (long-acting) form of oxycodone (OxyContin tablets) is not recommended before, or for 24 hours following surgery.

OxyNorm concentrate and 5mg capsules contain the colouring sunset yellow. This may cause allergic reactions such as asthma, particularly in people with an allergy to aspirin. OxyNorm liquid and concentrate contain the preservative sodium benzoate, which is a mild irritant to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Avoid contact with these areas.

OxyContin tablets contain lactose and should not be used by people with rare hereditary disorders of galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

If this medicine is taken for prolonged periods of time it may become less effective at relieving pain, hence with time higher doses may be needed to control pain. With prolonged use the body may also become dependent on the medicine and as a result may get withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped suddenly. For this reason, when a person no longer needs this medicine it may be necessary to reduce it gradually to avoid such symptoms.

Use with caution in

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic liver disease

Dependence on opioids (such as heroin)

Diseases of the bile ducts

Elderly people

Enlarged prostate gland

History of drug, alcohol or medication dependence or abuse

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)

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

Low volume of circulating blood (hypovolaemia)

Mental and behavioural disorder caused by a toxic substance (toxic psychosis)

Mild decrease in liver function

Mild to moderately decreased kidney function

People NOT already taking opioid painkillers

People who have recently had abdominal surgery

Serious medical condition caused by withdrawal from alcohol

Severe lung disease

Weak or debilitated people

Not to be used in

24 hours before surgery on the spinal cord (cordotomy) or other pain relieving surgical procedures

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

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)

Enlargement of a chamber of the heart (right ventricle) due to high blood pressure in the pulmonary artery (cor pulmonale)

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

Head injury

Moderate to severely decreased liver function

People who have taken monoamine-oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (MAOIs) in the last 14 days

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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