What is oxycodone?

Oxycodone is a strong opioid medicine used to treat severe pain.

How does oxycodone work?

Oxycodone reduces feelings of pain by interrupting the way nerves signal pain between the brain and the body. It works directly on the central nervous system.

What is oxycodone used for?

Oxycodone is used to relieve severe pain, such as pain caused by:

• a major trauma (for example, a fracture)
• surgery
• labour painin childbirth
• cancer pain

Oxycodone should only be used when other forms of pain relief have not been effective in managing pain or if you are not able to take them (for example, due to side effects).

What forms of oxycodone are available?

Common brands of oxycodone include Endone, OxyContin and OxyNorm. It comes in different dosages and forms including:

• tablets
• capsules
• suppositories
• liquid

Some formulations work immediately. Other controlled-release formulations work more slowly, so their effects last longer. Some formulations of oxycodone are combined with other active ingredients, such as naloxone, in order to try and reduce common side effects.

Oxycodone is only available with a prescription from your doctor.

See healthdirect's medicines section for more information about oxycodone.

What are the possible side effects of oxycodone?

All opioids, including oxycodone, can have side effects that include life-threatening breathing problems. The chance of these is higher:

• when first taking oxycodone
• after a dosage increase
• if you are older
• if you have an existing lung problem

The side effects of oxycodone are similar to those of other opioids, and include:

• constipation
• headache or dizziness
• fatigue or drowsiness (especially right after a dose)
• loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting

Always take medicines exactly as your doctor prescribes.

For a complete list of side effects see the Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) leaflet.

What are the risks associated with oxycodone?

Opioids are strong pain medicines and can cause life-threatening or fatal breathing difficulties.

Oxycodone may make it difficult for you to drive or operate heavy machinery. If you have recently started taking an opioid medicine or changed dosage, you may be more likely to have an accident. Ask your doctor if it is legal for you to drive while taking oxycodone. Also contact your car insurer, as you may not be covered for accidents that occur while you are taking opioid medicines.

If you have liver or kidney problems, your doctor may decide that oxycodone is not right for you or reduce your dosage. Oxycodone is not suitable for some people, for example, if you drink alcohol or take other medicines that can cause drowsiness, such as benzodiazepines.

Opioid tolerance and dependence

If you use opioid medicines, you may also develop tolerance. This means that you may need to take larger amounts of the opioid to get the same effect. The chance of side effects also increases with a higher dose.

If you take oxycodone, you may become dependent on this medicine, even if you take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will monitor how you use oxycodone to reduce your chance of harm, including through misuse, abuse and addiction.

If you are concerned that you are becoming addicted to or dependent on oxycodone let your doctor know so that you can get help. You can also call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline (1800 250 015) for 24/7 support and treatment information.

Continue to take oxycodone for as long as your doctor tells you to. If you stop taking any brand of oxycodone suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.

Opioid overdose

If you take too much oxycodone (known as an overdose), it's important to get immediate medical attention. Overdose of opioid medicines can cause you to stop breathing.

Symptoms of overdose include:

• feeling sleepy
• difficulty breathing
• unconsciousness

Access to overdose-reversing medication

Naloxone is a medicine that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. The Australian Government is offering this medication free of charge and without a prescription to people who may experience, or witness, an opioid overdose.

Learn more about the Take Home Naloxone program.

How do I take oxycodone?

It is important to follow the directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor will write the recommended dosage on your prescription. It's also important to tell your doctor if you have any allergies, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not break, crush, or chew slow-release tablets.

Be careful not to accidentally 'double dose' by taking a different medicine brand that contains the same active ingredient. Check the packaging or ask your pharmacist if you're not sure.

Also, do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you have been taking oxycodone for more than a short while, it is important not to suddenly stop taking the medicine. You should gradually reduce the amount you are taking, under the supervision of your doctor. This will help to reduce the chance of withdrawal symptoms occurring.

How do I dispose of medicines safely?

It's important you dispose of unwanted opioid medicines safely. Unused medicines can be returned to any pharmacy. Don't keep unused oxycodone 'just in case', as this can lead to dangerous or inappropriate use.

Keep oxycodone out of reach of children and pets. Never throw medicines into a garbage bin or flush them down the toilet, as this is dangerous to others and harmful to the environment.

When should I see my doctor?

If your pain is not well controlled by oxycodone or you have any new or unexpected side effects, see your doctor. There are different options for pain management and your doctor can suggest other approaches.

Do not adjust your oxycodone dosage without talking to your doctor first.

Are there alternatives to oxycodone?

Everyone's pain is unique and different pain relief medicines will work in different circumstances. Some people's pain will respond well to non-opioid medicines. You may also find that one opioid helps you manage your pain better and with fewer side effects than another.

Your doctor is the best person to advise you on whether oxycodone is the right medicine for you, how much you need and how long to take it for.

If you have chronic (long-term) pain, your doctor might suggest lifestyle changes to help manage the effects of pain. This may include:

• improving your physical fitness
• activity pacing
• social activities
• relaxation techniques
• overall health management

Find out more about options for managing chronic pain.

Resources and support

Asking about your treatment or medicine is important to help you understand your options. Here's a guide to questions you should ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking any medicine.

You can also see this list of medicines that contain oxycodone to read the consumer medicines information (CMI) leaflet for the brand you have been prescribed, or:

• Call 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) to talk about the medicines you are taking for your pain.
• Discuss your pain on the Pain Link helpline (1300 340 357) which is staffed by volunteers with personal experience of chronic pain.
• Go to Painaustralia to find pain services and programs in your area.
• Learn more about prescription opioids on Choosing Wisely.

Other languages

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation has translated their guide to using medicines safely into many community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Learn more about chronic pain management from the Pain Management Network.