Experiences with
Oxycodone

Oxycodone is an opioid painkiller. It's used to treat severe pain, for example after an operation or a serious injury, or pain from cancer.

Sometimes it's also used for other types of long-term pain when other painkillers, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin, have not worked.

Oxycodone is only available on prescription. It comes as slow-release tablets, standard tablets and capsules, and a liquid that you swallow. It can also be given by injection, but this is usually done in hospital.

Oxycodone liquid, standard tablets, capsules and injections work quickly. They're used for pain which is expected to last for a short time and are often used when you start taking oxycodone, to help find the right dose.

Oxycodone slow-release tablets gradually release the oxycodone into your body over either 12 or 24 hours. They take longer to start working but last longer. They are used for long-term pain.

Sometimes your doctor may prescribe both standard and slow-release oxycodone to manage long-term pain.

Oxycodone is sometimes combined with a medicine called naloxone. It comes as a tablet that is used to prevent certain side effects, such as constipation. Oxycodone with naloxone is known by the brand names Myloxifin, Oxyargin or Targinact.

Who can take oxycodone

Most adults and children aged 1 month and older can take oxycodone.

Babies, young children and older people are more likely to get side effects.

Who may not be able to take oxycodone

Oxycodone is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or a pharmacist before taking it if you:

have ever had an allergic reaction to oxycodone or any other medicine
have lung problems, asthma or breathing difficulties
have ever had an addiction to alcohol
have a head injury or condition which causes seizures or fits
have an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
have kidney or liver problems
have an enlarged prostate
have low blood pressure (hypotension)
have a mental health condition that is affected by certain medicines
have had recent stomach surgery or bowel problems
are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or if you're breastfeeding

Dosage and strength

Oxycodone comes as:

capsules containing 5mg, 10mg or 20mg of oxycodone – usually taken 4 to 6 times a day
standard tablets containing 5mg, 10mg or 20mg of oxycodone – usually taken 4 to 6 times a day
slow-release tablets containing 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 60mg, 80mg or 120mg of oxycodone – usually taken 1 to 2 times a day
liquid containing 5mg of oxycodone in 5ml or 10mg of oxycodone in 1ml of liquid – usually taken 4 to 6 times a day. You'll usually take the strength that contains 5mg in 5ml. If you have oxycodone liquid, always check that you have the right strength

You'll usually start on a low dose of oxycodone that can be increased gradually until your pain is under control. After this, your doctor may prescribe slow-release tablets which may cut down the number of doses you have to take.

When you stop taking oxycodone your doctor will gradually reduce your dose, especially if you've been taking it for a long time.

How to take it

You can take oxycodone at any time of day, but try to take it at the same time every day and space your doses evenly. For example, if you take oxycodone twice a day and have your first dose at 8am, take your second dose around 8pm.

Take oxycodone with, or just after, a meal or snack as it's less likely to make you feel sick.

It's important to swallow slow-release oxycodone tablets whole with a drink of water.

Do not break, crush, chew or suck oxycodone slow-release tablets. If you do, the slow-release system will not work and the whole dose might get into your body in one go. This could cause an overdose.

Depending on why you're taking oxycodone, you may only need to take it for a short time.

For example, if you're in pain after an injury or operation, you may only need to take oxycodone for a few days or weeks.

You may need to take it for longer if you have a long-term condition such as cancer.

If you need to take oxycodone for a long time, your body can get used to it. This is not usually a problem, but if you stop taking it suddenly you could get withdrawal symptoms such as:

feeling agitated, anxious or nervous
panic attacks
difficulty sleeping
shaking
feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
noticeable heartbeat (palpitations)
sweating

If you want to stop taking oxycodone, talk to a doctor first. Your dose can be reduced gradually so you do not get these symptoms.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take a dose, check the information that comes with the medicine or ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

It's important not to take more than your prescribed dose, even if you think it's not enough to relieve your pain. Speak to your doctor first, if you think you need a different dose.

If you take too much oxycodone you may feel very sleepy, sick or dizzy, find it difficult to breathe or become unconscious.

you take more than your prescribed dose of oxycodone

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 . If you need advice for a child under the age of 5 years, call 111.

have difficulty breathing
become unconscious

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the oxycodone packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

If you have been prescribed oxycodone, it's really important that you:

store it properly and safely at home
keep it out of the sight and reach of children
do not give your medicine to anyone else
return any unused oxycodone to a pharmacy so it can be thrown away safely

Common side effects

These common side effects of oxycodone happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Try to include more high-fibre foods in your diet such as fruits, vegetables and cereals. Try to drink several glasses of water each day. If you can, it may also help to do some gentle exercise.

Ask your doctor about medicine to help prevent or treat constipation caused by oxycodone.

Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to swallow your oxycodone (without chewing if it's a tablet) just before or after a meal or snack. This may help feelings of sickness.

If you're being sick, try small frequent sips of water to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark strong-smelling pee.

If you take the combined pill or progestogen-only pill and you're being sick your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

This side effect should usually wear off after a few days. Talk to a doctor about taking anti-sickness medicine if it carries on for longer.

Try to rest and relax. It can help to eat and drink slowly and have smaller and more frequent meals. Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help.

If you are in a lot of pain, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

These side effects should wear off within a week or two as your body gets used to oxycodone. Talk to a doctor if they carry on for longer.

Lie down until the dizziness passes, then get up slowly. Move slowly and carefully. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery if you're feeling dizzy.

Talk to a doctor if you feel confused. Your dose may need to be adjusted.

Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. It may be best not to drink alcohol while taking oxycodone as this can make headaches worse. It's safe to take an everyday painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Talk to a doctor if headaches last longer than a week or are severe.

It may help to take an antihistamine which you can buy from a pharmacy. Check with the pharmacist to see what type is suitable for you.

If symptoms do not go away or they get worse, talk to a doctor as you may need to try a different painkiller.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if this advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or lasts more than a few days.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects happen in less than 1 in 100 people.

Call a doctor or call 111 now if you:

have muscle stiffness
feel dizzy, tired and have low energy – this could be a sign of low blood pressure (hypotension)

you have a seizure or fit
you have difficulty breathing or short shallow breathing

A&E safety messaging (for 999 only)

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to oxycodone.

Meds New IA (H4) - serious allergic reaction

Some people with conditions that need long-term pain relief may need to take oxycodone for a long time.

If you need to take it for a long time your body can become used to it (known as tolerance). That means you need higher doses to control your pain over time.

Some people can become more sensitive to pain (hyperalgesia). If this happens, your doctor will reduce your dose gradually to help these symptoms.

It's possible to become addicted to oxycodone. For this reason, your dose will be reviewed to make sure you're only having the amount you need to control your pain.

Your treatment plan may include details of how and when you'll stop oxycodone.

If you're having treatment for cancer pain or other severe pain, your pain control will be carefully monitored. Speak to your doctor if you're worried about tolerance, hyperalgesia or becoming addicted.

Other side effects

These are not all the side effects of oxycodone. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Oxycodone and pregnancy

Oxycodone is occasionally taken during pregnancy for pain that is severe or difficult to treat.

If you take oxycodone at the end of pregnancy, your baby might have withdrawal symptoms after they're born. If this happens, your baby may need more time in hospital for observation.

It's important to treat pain in pregnancy. If you have severe pain, oxycodone might sometimes be the best option. Your doctor can help you decide what's right for you and your baby.

Oxycodone and breastfeeding

Oxycodone is not usually recommended if you're breastfeeding, but it may be used occasionally for pain that is severe or difficult to treat. Your doctor can help you decide what's right for you and your baby.

Although only small amounts of oxycodone pass into breast milk, it may still cause side effects in your baby such as breathing problems, being very sleepy, or difficulty feeding. Because of this potential risk, your doctor may recommend a different painkiller while you're breastfeeding.

If you do take oxycodone while breastfeeding, it's best to take it in low doses and only for a short time. This reduces the risk of your baby getting side effects.

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife as soon as possible if you have any concerns about your baby, including if you notice that your baby:

is not feeding as well as usual
has constipation
seems unusually pale

seems unusually sleepy
is having difficulty breathing

However, these effects are very rare.

If you need to go to A&E, take the oxycodone packet or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.

Oxycodone and fertility

There's no evidence to suggest that taking oxycodone will reduce fertility in women or men.

However, speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're trying to get pregnant. They may want to review your treatment.

Meds New IA (H2) - Pregnancy non-urgent care card

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines and oxycodone can affect each other and increase the chance of getting side effects.

Tell your doctor before taking oxycodone if you are taking any medicines:

to help you sleep
for depression or a mental health condition – some types cannot be taken with oxycodone
for high blood pressure (hypertension)
to help stop you feeling or being sick (vomiting), such as domperidone, metoclopramide or aprepitant
to treat symptoms of an allergy such as antihistamines
to reduce tension or anxiety
for an infection
to control seizures or fits due to epilepsy

Taking oxycodone with other painkillers

It's safe to take oxycodone with paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin (do not give aspirin to children under 16 years of age).

Do not take oxycodone with painkillers that contain codeine. You'll be more likely to get side effects. These include:

co-codamol (codeine and paracetamol)
Nurofen Plus (codeine and ibuprofen)
co-codaprin (codeine and aspirin)
Solpadeine (codeine, paracetamol, ibuprofen and caffeine)

Mixing oxycodone with herbal remedies and supplements

There's not enough information to say whether complementary medicines, herbal remedies and supplements are safe to take with oxycodone. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.

Meds New IA (H2) - Cautions with other medicines alert