Oxycodone for pain relief

About oxycodone

Oxycodone is a strong opioid painkiller that is used to treat severe pain. It is used in particular to treat pain after a surgical operation and pain caused by câncer.

It works on your nervous system and brain to reduce the amount of pain you feel.

What is oxycodone available as?

Oxycodone is available in several forms, including:

• Capsules or a liquid, taken by the mouth.

• Slow-release tablets.

• Injection.

Oxycodone is sometimes used in combination with another medicine called naloxone (in a brand called Targinact®). The naloxone helps to reduce some of the side effects of oxycodone, such as constipation.

Common side effects of oxycodone include:

• Sentindo-se mal.

• Vomitar (vômito).

• Indigestion.

• Stomach (abdominal) pain.

• Sentir-se tonto.

• Sentindo-se sonolento ou com sono.

• Constipação.

• Diarreia.

• Boca seca.

Você encontrará uma lista completa na bula do fabricante fornecida com o seu medicamento.

Os efeitos indesejados muitas vezes melhoram à medida que seu corpo se ajusta ao novo medicamento, mas fale com seu médico ou farmacêutico se algum efeito colateral persistir ou se tornar problemático.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before taking oxycodone it is important that your doctor knows:

• Se você está grávida, tentando ter um bebê ou amamentando.

• If you have heart, liver, or kidney problems.

• Se você tiver problemas de próstata ou qualquer dificuldade para urinar.

• If you have any breathing problems, such as asma ou doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC).

• If you have a sleep-related breathing problem such as apneia do sono.

• If you have been told you have low blood pressure (hypotension).

• If you have any problems with your thyroid, pancreas, or adrenal glands.

• Se você tem epilepsia.

• If you have a problem with your bile duct.

• Se você está constipado há mais de uma semana ou tem um problema inflamatório intestinal.

• If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called miastenia gravis.

• If you have a rare blood disorder called porphyria.

• Se você teve uma lesão grave na cabeça recentemente.

• If you have ever had a mental health problem called psychosis.

• Se você já foi dependente de drogas ou álcool.

• Se você já teve uma reação alérgica a um medicamento.

• Se você estiver tomando outros medicamentos. Isso inclui quaisquer medicamentos que você esteja tomando e que estejam disponíveis para compra sem receita médica, bem como medicamentos fitoterápicos e complementares.

• Read the leaflet inside the pack before you start. It explains your oxycodone brand and possible side effects.

• Take oxycodone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You may be told to take it regularly or only when needed.

• Quick-acting capsules or liquid are usually taken every 4-6 hours.

• Slow-release tablets are taken twice a day, 12 hours apart.

• Swallow slow-release tablets whole with water. Do not break, crush, or chew them.

• You can take oxycodone with or without food.

• If you miss a dose, check the leaflet for advice. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

• Ask your doctor about alcohol. You may be advised not to drink while taking oxycodone, as alcohol can increase side effects such as dizziness and sleepiness.

• Oxycodone can affect driving. Do not drive if you feel drowsy, dizzy, or unable to concentrate. It is an offence to drive if your reactions are impaired.

• If you do drive, carry proof that oxycodone has been prescribed for you (such as a prescription slip or patient leaflet).

• Oxycodone comes in different brands and strengths. Check each prescription to make sure it is what you expect, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

• Tell healthcare professionals, including dentists, that you are taking oxycodone before any treatment or surgery.

• Check with a pharmacist before taking any other medicines, including those bought without a prescription. Some medicines can increase side effects when taken with oxycodone.

• If travelling abroad, carry a letter from your doctor, as oxycodone is a controlled medicine and may be restricted in some countries.

• Only take oxycodone for as long as prescribed. Taking it for longer can lead to dependence.

• Stopping oxycodone suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as restlessness or irritability. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned.

• Mantenha todos os medicamentos fora do alcance e da vista das crianças.

• Armazene em local fresco e seco, longe de calor e luz diretos.

• Many liquid preparations of oxycodone only keep for a few weeks once the bottle has been opened. Check the label for further details and write on it the date you open the bottle.

How long does it take for oxycodone to work?

Quick-acting oxycodone usually starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes with pain relief lasting around 4 to 6 hours. Slow-release oxycodone can take 1-2 days to work but provides longer-lasting pain relief when taken regularly.

Is it safe to take oxycodone during pregnancy?

Oxycodone is not usually recommended during pregnancy as regular use during pregnancy may affect the baby and can cause withdrawal symptoms after birth.

Always let your doctor or midwife know if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking oxycodone.

Can you drink while on oxycodone?

No, you should not drink alcohol while taking oxycodone. Alcohol increases the risk of serious side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, slowed breathing, and impaired judgement.

Is oxycodone addictive?

Yes, oxycodone can be addictive if taken regularly or for long periods. Your body can become dependent on it, and stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms.

For this reason, oxycodone is usually prescribed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.