What is OxyContin?
Oxycodone is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers. It is similar to morphine.
Oxycodone is used to treat moderate to severe pain. The extended-release form of this medication is for around-the-clock treatment of pain. Oxycodone is not for treating pain just after a surgery unless you were already taking oxycodone before the surgery.
Oxycodone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about OxyContin?
Oxycodone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Oxycodone should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking oxycodone. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with a narcotic pain medicine. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol. Never take more than your prescribed dose of oxycodone. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain. Oxycodone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not stop using oxycodone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.
Statistics on OxyContin Abuse
;- OxyContin is blamed for almost 1,000 deaths per year – and that number continues to rise.
- OxyContin theft is become more and more of a law-enforcement problem, with over 2,000 OxyContin related crimes committed last year alone.
- Emergency room visits as a result of OxyContin use number in the "five figures" across the United States and two years ago topped 20,000 for the first time.