Why is this medication prescribed?

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

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Oxycodone 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 oxycodone exactly as directed.

Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush extended-release oxycodone tablets.

Oxycodone 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 oxycodone for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking oxycodone suddenly. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

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 Dispose of any medication that is outdated or no longer needed by flushing it down the toilet.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.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

You may notice oxycodone tablets in your stool or colostomy bag. These tablets are empty, since the the medication has already been absorbed.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

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