About oxycodone
Oxycodone is an opiate painkiller. It's used to treat severe pain, for example after an operation or a serious injury, or pain from cancer. It is also known by the brand names OxyNorm and OxyContin.
It's also used for other types of long-standing pain when weaker painkillers, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin, have not worked.
OxyNorm is only available on prescription. It comes as slow-release tablets, capsules, and a liquid that you swallow. It can also be given by injection, but this is usually done in the hospital.
It's sometimes given as a tablet which also has a medicine called naloxone in it. This is used to prevent certain side effects, such as constipation.
Key facts
- OxyNorm works by stopping pain signals traveling along the nerves to the brain.
- Oxycodone liquid and capsules work in 30 to 60 minutes but wear off after 4 to 6 hours.
- It's possible to become addicted to OxyNorm , but your doctor will explain how to reduce the risks of becoming addicted.
- If you need to take OxyNorm for more than a few weeks, your treatment plan may include details of how and when to stop taking this medicine.
- The most common side effects are constipation, feeling sick, and feeling sleepy.
Who can and cannot take oxycodone
OxyNorm can be taken by adults and children aged 1 month and older.
Babies, young children, and older people are more likely to get side effects.
OxyNorm is not suitable for some people. Tell your doctor before starting this medicine if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to OxyNorm or any other medicine
- have lung problems, asthma, or breathing difficulties
- have 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 had recent stomach surgery or bowel problems
- are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant, or if you're breastfeeding
Important
Do not break, crush, chew or suck 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.
Qualitative and quantitative composition
- How often you take it depends on the type of OxyNorm that you've been prescribed:
- Qualitative and quantitative composition
- Each OxyNorm 5 mg capsule contains 4.5 mg of oxycodone as 5 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride.
- Each OxyNorm 10 mg capsule contains 9 mg of oxycodone as 10 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride.
- Each OxyNorm 20 mg capsule contains 18 mg of oxycodone as 20 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride.
- Excipient with known effect:
- The 5 mg capsule contains sunset yellow (E 110). It May cause allergic reactions.
Pharmaceutical form
- OxyNorm capsules 5 mg are orange/beige, printed ONR 5.
- OxyNorm capsules 10 mg are white/beige, printed ONR 10.
- OxyNorm capsules 20 mg are pink/beige, printed ONR 20.
- 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 OxyNorm twice a day and have your first dose at 8 am, take your second dose at 8 pm.
Will my dose go up or down? Once your pain is under control, your doctor may prescribe slow-release tablets. This may cut down the number of doses you have to take each day.
When you stop taking, your doctor will gradually reduce your dose, especially if you've been taking it for a long time.
What if I forget to take it?
This will depend on which type of OxyNorm you're taking.
If you forget to check here 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.
What if I 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.
Urgent advice: Call 111 now if:
you take too much OxyNorm
If you go to A&E, do not drive yourself – get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the OxyNorm box or leaflet inside the packet plus any remaining medicine with you.
Where to store OxyNorm
If you're 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.
Taking OxyNorm with other painkillers
It's safe to take OxyNorm with paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin (do not give aspirin to children under 16 years of age).
Do not take OxyNorm with painkillers that contain codeine. You will be more likely to get side effects.
Painkillers that contain codeine include co-codamol (codeine and paracetamol), Nurofen Plus (codeine and ibuprofen), co-codaprin (codeine and aspirin) and Solpadeine (codeine, paracetamol, ibuprofen and caffeine).
Side effects
Like all medicines, OxyNorm can cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones. The higher the dose also, the more chance that you will get side effects.
Common side effects
Common side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:
- constipation
- feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
- stomach discomfort
- feeling sleepy or tired
- feeling dizzy and a sensation of spinning (vertigo)
- confusion
- headaches
- itchiness or rash
Serious side effects
Serious side effects happen in less than 1 in 100 people. Call a doctor if you have:
- muscle stiffness
- feel dizzy, tired, and have low energy – this could be a sign of low blood pressure (hypotension)