For Oxycontin:
>WARNING
>
>OxyContin® is an opioid agonist and a Schedule II controlled substance
>with an abuse liability similar to morphine.
>
>Oxycodone can be abused in a manner similar to other opioid agonists,
>legal or illicit. This should be considered when prescribing or dispensing
>OxyContin® in situations where the physician or pharmacist is concerned
>about an increased risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion.
>
>OxyContin® tablets are a controlled-release oral formulation of oxycodone
>hydrochloride indicated for the management of moderate to severe pain when
>a continuous, around-the-clock analgesic is needed for an extended period
>of time.
>
>OxyContin® tablets are NOT intended for use as a prn analgesic.
>
>OxyContin® 80 mg and 160 mg Tablets ARE FOR USE IN OPIOID TOLERANT
>PATIENTS ONLY. These tablet strengths may cause fatal respiratory
>depression when administered to patients not previously exposed to opioids.
>
>OxyContin® (oxycodone hydrochloride controlled-release) TABLETS ARE TO BE
>SWALLOWED WHOLE AND ARE NOT TO BE BROKEN, CHEWED, OR CRUSHED. TAKING
>BROKEN, CHEWED, OR CRUSHED OxyContin® TABLETS LEADS TO RAPID RELEASE AND
>ABSORPTION OF A POTENTIALLY FATAL DOSE OF OXYCODONE.
>
>OxyContin® (oxycodone hydrochloride controlled-release) tablets are an
>opioid analgesic supplied in 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg, and 160 mg tablet
>strengths for oral administration. The tablet strengths describe the
>amount of oxycodone per tablet as the hydrochloride salt.
>
>Its molecular formula is C18H21NO4 · HCl. Its molecular weight is 351.83.
>
>The chemical formula is 4,
>5-epoxy-14-hydroxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one hydrochloride.
>
>Oxycodone is a white, odorless crystalline powder derived from the opium
>alkaloid, thebaine. Oxycodone hydrochloride dissolves in water (1 g in 6
>to 7 mL). It is slightly soluble in alcohol (octanol water partition
>coefficient 0.7). The tablets contain the following inactive ingredients:
>ammonio methacrylate copolymer, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose,
>magnesium stearate, povidone, red iron oxide (20 mg strength tablet only),
>stearyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide, triacetin, yellow iron oxide (40
>mg strength tablet only), yellow iron oxide with FD&C blue No.2 (80 mg
>strength tablet only), FD&C blue No.2 (160 mg strength tablet only) and
>other ingredients.
This explains what Oxycontin is used for. Most GPs in Canada at least will start you on Percocet or equivalent before they give you Oxycontin - Percocet is the same drug in an acetominophen combo which is not extended release.
I have been on Oxycontin with Percocet for breakthrough pain since March. The only side-effect that I have suffered is slow-moving bowel. There are days that I need to lie down for a nap, but those are usually days that I have been too active.
Hope this answers your questions.
Hugs,
Nancy in NB
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