Oxycodone 80mg ER Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take the medication by mouth only, as injecting or snorting it can lead to severe side effects, including breathing difficulties and overdose, which can be fatal.
Swallow the tablet whole, without chewing, breaking, crushing, or dissolving it first. Altering the tablet in any way can cause serious side effects and death. This medication is not intended for fast pain relief or as-needed use. Additionally, do not use it for post-surgical pain relief if you haven't been taking similar medications.
If your prescribed dose is more than one tablet, take one tablet at a time. Avoid licking or wetting the tablet before swallowing, and take it with a full glass of water immediately after placing it in your mouth. If you have trouble swallowing, consult your doctor.
Important Administration Instructions
Do not put the medication down a feeding tube.
If you have trouble swallowing, talk to your doctor for guidance.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store the medication at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Keep it in a dry place, away from bathrooms. Store the medication in a secure location where children and pets cannot access it, and consider using a locked box or area to prevent unauthorized use.
Dispose of unused or expired medication properly. Do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so. Consult your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method, and check if there are any drug take-back programs in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can cause dangerous side effects, including death.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, as it can cause drowsiness and dizziness.
- Store this medicine securely away from children and pets, as accidental ingestion can be fatal.
- Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the tablets, as this can lead to a rapid release of a potentially fatal dose of oxycodone.
- Do not share this medication with anyone else, as it can be dangerous and is illegal.
- Discuss a bowel regimen with your doctor to prevent constipation, a common side effect.
- Carry naloxone (Narcan) if prescribed, and ensure family/friends know how to use it in case of an overdose.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Oxycodone 5mg Immediate Rel Tabs
- Oxycodone 30mg Immediate Rel Tabs
- Oxycodone 15mg* Immediate Rel Tabs
- Oxycodone 20mg Immediate Rel Tabs
- Oxycodone 10mg Immediate Rel Tabs
- Oxycodone 30mg Immediate Rel Tabs
- Oxycodone 5mg/5ml Solution
- Oxycodone 5mg Immediate Rel Caps
- Oxycodone 100mg/5ml Solution 30ml
- Oxycodone Hcl 10mg Tablets
- Oxycodone 20mg ER Tablets
- Oxycodone 40mg ER Tablets
- Oxycodone 80mg ER Tablets
- Oxycodone 10mg ER Tablets
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse: Oxycodone ER exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Assess each patientβs risk prior to prescribing Oxycodone ER, and monitor all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions.
REMS: To ensure that the benefits of opioid analgesics outweigh the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, the FDA has required a REMS for these products.
Respiratory Depression: Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur. Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during initiation or following a dose increase.
Accidental Ingestion: Accidental ingestion of even one dose of Oxycodone ER, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of oxycodone.
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome: Prolonged use of Oxycodone ER during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.
Cytochrome P450 3A4 Interaction: Concomitant use with all cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors may result in increased oxycodone plasma concentrations, which could increase or prolong adverse reactions and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression. In addition, discontinuation of a concomitantly used cytochrome P450 3A4 inducer may result in increased oxycodone plasma concentration. Monitor patients receiving Oxycodone ER and any CYP3A4 inhibitor or inducer.
Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants: Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of low blood sugar, including:
+ Dizziness
+ Headache
+ Feeling sleepy
+ Feeling weak
+ Shaking
+ Fast heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Hunger
+ Sweating
Severe dizziness or passing out
Feeling confused
Severe constipation or stomach pain, which may be signs of a severe bowel problem
Breathing difficulties, such as:
+ Trouble breathing
+ Slow breathing
+ Shallow breathing
+ Noisy breathing
+ Breathing problems during sleep (sleep apnea)
Trouble passing urine
Abnormal heartbeat, including fast, slow, or irregular rhythms
Seizures
Shakiness
Changes in eyesight
Chest pain or pressure
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
Mood changes
Memory problems or loss
Trouble walking
Trouble speaking
Swelling in the arms or legs
Fever
Serotonin Syndrome: A Potentially Life-Threatening Condition
If you take this medication with certain other drugs, you may be at risk for serotonin syndrome, a severe and potentially deadly condition. Seek medical help immediately if you experience:
Agitation
Change in balance
Confusion
Hallucinations
Fever
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Flushing
Muscle twitching or stiffness
Seizures
Shivering or shaking
Sweating excessively
Severe diarrhea
Upset stomach
Throwing up
Severe headache
Adrenal Gland Problems: A Rare but Serious Condition
Taking an opioid medication like this one may lead to a rare but severe adrenal gland problem. Contact your doctor right away if you experience:
Feeling very tired or weak
Passing out
Severe dizziness
Very upset stomach
Throwing up
Decreased appetite
Long-Term Use and Hormone Levels
Long-term use of an opioid medication may lead to lower sex hormone levels. If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor:
Lowered interest in sex
Fertility problems
No menstrual period
Ejaculation problems
Other Side Effects
While many people may not experience side effects or may only have minor side effects, it's essential to be aware of the following:
Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak
Headache
Trouble sleeping
Itching
Dry mouth
Constipation
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Throwing up
* Decreased appetite
If any of these side effects bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help. This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and you should consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing
- Extreme drowsiness or dizziness
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Confusion
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Cold, clammy skin
- Unresponsiveness or inability to wake up
- Severe constipation or abdominal pain
- Signs of allergic reaction (e.g., rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Respiratory problems like asthma, breathing difficulties, or sleep apnea
+ Elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood
+ Stomach or bowel blockage or narrowing
If you have taken specific medications for depression or Parkinson's disease within the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline, as this may lead to severely high blood pressure
If you are currently taking any of the following medications: buprenorphine, butorphanol, linezolid, methylene blue, nalbuphine, or pentazocine
* If you are breastfeeding, as you should not breastfeed while taking this medication
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine whether it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is crucial that you inform all of your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
Caution with Daily Activities
Until you know how this medication affects you, avoid driving and other activities that require you to be alert. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a sitting or lying position, and be cautious when climbing stairs.
Dosage Instructions
Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor. Taking more than the recommended dose may increase your risk of severe side effects.
Interactions with Other Medications
Before taking this medication with other strong pain medications or using a pain patch, consult your doctor. Combining these medications can lead to adverse effects.
Monitoring Your Pain
If your pain worsens, you become more sensitive to pain, or you experience new pain after taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Do not take more medication than prescribed.
Tolerance and Dependence
Long-term or high-dose use of this medication can lead to tolerance, where the medication may not work as well, and you may require higher doses to achieve the same effect. If you experience this, consult your doctor. Do not take more medication than prescribed. Additionally, long-term use of opioid medications like this one can cause dependence. If you need to reduce your dose or stop taking this medication, consult your doctor to avoid withdrawal or other severe problems.
Special Warnings
Certain strengths of this medication are only suitable for individuals who have previously taken similar medications and are tolerant of their effects. Using these strengths if you are not accustomed to them can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening breathing problems. Consult your doctor to determine the appropriate strength for you.
Alcohol Interactions
Do not consume alcohol or products containing alcohol while taking this medication, as this can lead to unsafe and potentially life-threatening effects.
Seizure Risk
This medication may increase the risk of seizures in some individuals, particularly those with a history of seizures. Consult your doctor to assess your risk.
Age-Related Precautions
If you are 65 or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Pinpoint pupils
- Extreme drowsiness or loss of consciousness
- Slowed or stopped breathing (respiratory depression)
- Limp muscles
- Cold, clammy skin
- Blue discoloration of lips and fingernails (cyanosis)
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Severe hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Circulatory collapse
- Coma
- Death
What to Do:
Seek immediate emergency medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number. Administer naloxone if available and trained to do so. Provide ventilatory support if breathing is severely depressed or absent. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center) for additional guidance.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of MAOI therapy (risk of serotonin syndrome or severe respiratory depression)
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, grapefruit juice) in patients not already tolerant to high doses of oxycodone (risk of increased oxycodone plasma concentrations and potentially fatal respiratory depression)
Major Interactions
- Benzodiazepines and other CNS depressants (e.g., other opioids, sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, phenothiazines, alcohol): Increased risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
- Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, triptans, mirtazapine, tramadol, fentanyl): Risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Mixed agonist/antagonist opioids (e.g., butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine): May reduce analgesic effect and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, grapefruit juice): Significant increase in oxycodone plasma concentrations, leading to increased opioid effects and potential for fatal respiratory depression.
- Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin): May decrease oxycodone plasma concentrations, leading to reduced efficacy and potential for withdrawal symptoms.
- CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine): May decrease formation of oxymorphone, potentially reducing analgesic effect in some patients.
Moderate Interactions
- Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, scopolamine, tricyclic antidepressants): Increased risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation.
- Diuretics: Opioids may reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone.
- Antihypertensives: May cause additive hypotensive effects.
Minor Interactions
- Not available
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline pain level and guide initial dosing.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess baseline respiratory function and identify risk for respiratory depression.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess baseline neurological status and identify risk for excessive sedation.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess baseline bowel habits and anticipate opioid-induced constipation.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To identify potential impairment that may require dose adjustment.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Regularly, at each visit or as clinically indicated (e.g., daily during titration, weekly/monthly during maintenance)
Target: Acceptable pain control with minimal side effects
Action Threshold: Uncontrolled pain or worsening pain requires reassessment of dose or treatment plan.
Frequency: Regularly, especially during initiation and dose titration; less frequently during stable maintenance (e.g., daily for hospitalized patients, at each clinic visit for outpatients)
Target: 12-20 breaths/min (adults)
Action Threshold: <10 breaths/min or shallow breathing requires immediate intervention (e.g., naloxone, respiratory support).
Frequency: Regularly, especially during initiation and dose titration; less frequently during stable maintenance
Target: Alert or mildly drowsy, easily aroused
Action Threshold: Excessive sedation (e.g., difficult to arouse, somnolent) requires immediate intervention.
Frequency: Daily or as needed
Target: Regular bowel movements (e.g., every 1-3 days)
Action Threshold: Constipation (e.g., no bowel movement for >3 days, straining, hard stools) requires intervention (e.g., laxatives, stool softeners).
Frequency: At each visit
Target: Absence of aberrant drug-related behaviors
Action Threshold: Presence of aberrant behaviors (e.g., early refills, multiple prescribers, selling drugs) requires reassessment of treatment plan and potential referral to addiction specialist.
Symptom Monitoring
- Respiratory depression (slow, shallow breathing, blue lips/fingernails)
- Excessive sedation/drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Pruritus (itching)
- Urinary retention
- Confusion
- Miosis (pinpoint pupils)
- Signs of opioid withdrawal (e.g., restlessness, yawning, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, piloerection, sweating, muscle aches, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting) if dose is rapidly reduced or discontinued.
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Prolonged use during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) in the newborn, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Advise pregnant patients of the risk of NOWS and ensure appropriate treatment will be available. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Oxycodone is excreted into breast milk. Monitor infants for signs of sedation, respiratory depression, poor feeding, and withdrawal symptoms. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients under 18 years of age. Not recommended for use in this population.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the analgesic and adverse effects of oxycodone, particularly respiratory depression. Start with lower doses and titrate slowly. Monitor closely for sedation, respiratory depression, and constipation.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Oxycodone 80mg ER is a high dose and is indicated ONLY for opioid-tolerant patients with severe, chronic pain requiring continuous, around-the-clock opioid analgesia.
- The extended-release formulation must be swallowed whole. Crushing, chewing, or dissolving the tablet can lead to rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of oxycodone.
- Due to the high risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse, Oxycodone ER is subject to a REMS program. Prescribers should be familiar with and adhere to REMS requirements.
- Concomitant use with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants significantly increases the risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Avoid concomitant use if possible; if necessary, use the lowest effective doses and shortest durations, and monitor closely.
- Naloxone should be considered for co-prescription, especially for patients at increased risk of overdose (e.g., concomitant CNS depressant use, history of substance use disorder).
- Patients should be educated on the safe storage and disposal of this medication to prevent accidental ingestion, especially by children.
Alternative Therapies
- Other strong opioid analgesics (e.g., hydromorphone, fentanyl, methadone)
- Non-opioid analgesics for chronic pain (e.g., NSAIDs, acetaminophen, gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, tricyclic antidepressants)
- Interventional pain management techniques (e.g., nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation)
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological therapies (e.g., CBT)
Cost & Coverage
General Drug Facts
This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which is a patient fact sheet that provides crucial information. It is vital to read this guide carefully and review it again each time your prescription is refilled. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, consult with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
In the event of an overdose, a medication called naloxone can be administered to help treat the condition. Discuss the availability and use of naloxone with your doctor or pharmacist. If you suspect an overdose has occurred, seek immediate medical attention, even if naloxone has been administered. Be prepared to provide information about the overdose, including the substance taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.
In case of a suspected overdose, contact your local poison control center or seek emergency medical care right away. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the substance involved, the quantity taken, and the time of the incident.