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Oxycodone

This information is intended for use ONLY after you have been prescribed oxycodone.

Key points about oxycodone

Oxycodone is used for the relief of moderate to severe pain resulting from an injury or operation, or caused by a terminal illness such as cancer.
Follow the instructions on the label of your medicine, for how much to take and how often.
Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

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Oxycodone is used for the relief of moderate to severe pain experienced after an injury or operation, or pain caused by a terminal illness such as cancer. It's usually used when milder pain medicines such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) don’t work well enough.

Oxycodone belongs to a group of medicines called opioids. They act on your brain and nervous system to reduce pain.
Other types of pain relievers such as paracetamol and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen) may also be used with oxycodone.
Read more about pain, pain-relief medication and opioids.

Some types of oxycodone are immediate release (or short-acting) and others are controlled release (or long-acting)

Immediate release: These start working quickly to ease pain and are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours..
Controlled release: These work slowly over several hours to give a constant and more even pain control. They are usually taken twice daily (12 hours apart) or once daily, at about the same time each day.
Follow the instructions on the label of your medicine, for how much to take and how often.

August 2024: Oxycodone immediate release is changing from OxyNorm capsules to Oxycodone Amneal tablets

The supplier of the OxyNorm capsules is leaving the New Zealand market.

The new brand is Oxycodone Amneal immediate release tablets, available as 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg tablets.

Oxycodone Amneal tablets have the same active ingredient as OxyNorm oxycodone capsules and should work in the same way.

Note:

The new immediate release Oxycodone Amneal tablets must not be confused with oxycodone controlled-release tablets.
If you take oxycodone controlled-release tablets you might now be taking a tablet for both immediate and controlled release oxycodone.
Please talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about this.

Find out more about Oxycodone immediate release tablets: Amneal is the new brand(external link).

The dose of oxycodone will be different for different people.

Some types of oxycodone are immediate release or short-acting and others are controlled release or long-acting. Follow the instructions on the label of your medicine, for how much to take and how often.
Always take your oxycodone exactly as your doctor has told you. Depending on the reason you are taking it, your doctor may advise that you take it regularly or take oxycodone only when you need it for pain relief. Make sure you know which is right for you.
If you’re drowsy or sleepy, don’t take your next dose until you’re wide awake. Ask your healthcare provider for advice.

Follow the instructions on the label of your medicine, for how much to take and how often.
You can take oxycodone with or without food.
Some types of oxycodone are immediate release or short-acting and others are controlled release or long-acting.
Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure about the type you're taking.
If you're taking it regularly and forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the amount.

Formulation	How to take it
Immediate release – examples are Oxycodone Amneal tablets or Oxynorm liquid	These are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. They start working quickly to ease pain.
Controlled release – examples are Oxycodone Sandoz, Oxycodone Controlled Release or OxyContin.	These tablets work slowly over several hours to give a constant and more even pain control. They're usually taken twice daily (12 hours apart) or once daily (at the same time each day). Swallow the tablets whole – do not break or chew them, otherwise, they may release the medicine too quickly and cause side-effects.

Eat plenty of fibre and drink more water while you are taking oxycodone

Oxycodone can affect your bowel movements – it might be hard or painful to poo (constipation).
If this happens, ask your healthcare provider for a laxative, to soften your poo.
Eating foods with fibre, drinking plenty of water and keeping active can help.

Oxycodone can make you sleepy, drowsy, dizzy or affect your concentration

If you’re drowsy or sleepy, don’t take your next dose until you’re wide awake. Ask your healthcare provider for advice.
Limit or avoid alcohol as it can make these effects worse.
Don’t drive a vehicle, ride a bike or operate machinery (including power tools) and don’t make important personal or business decisions or sign legal papers.

Taking other medicines

Your doctor may recommend taking other pain relievers such as paracetamol and NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen) as well. If taken regularly, they can reduce how much oxycodone you need to take.
If you're taking any other medicines, or starting a new medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure they're safe to take with oxycodone. This includes any medicines you buy without a prescription (over the counter), such as herbal and complementary medicines or recreational drugs.

Oxycodone reduces severe pain but won’t take all of your pain away

If your pain isn’t improving:

Don’t take extra doses.
Try other ways to manage your pain such as relaxation techniques, gentle exercises and stretches.

Oxycodone is addictive

If you're addicted to oxycodone, you may find it difficult to stop taking it or feel you need to take it more often than necessary.
It's unusual for people who are prescribed oxycodone for a short time or for a terminal illness to become addicted to it.
Some people are more likely to develop addiction than others and seem to be very sensitive to the cravings. You may be at risk for addiction if you have mental health problems (such as depression) or a history of substance abuse, including alcohol and recreational drugs.
To reduce your risk of addiction when using oxycodone for short-term pain relief, use it for the shortest possible time, at the lowest effective dose.
Have a plan in place for how and when to reduce and stop taking oxycodone.
Talk to your doctor if you're worried about addiction or if you want to know more about how to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Like all medicines, oxycodone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Feeling sleepy, dizzy or tired Vertigo Problems with concentration	This is common when starting oxycodone or after increasing the dose. If you’re drowsy or sleepy, don’t take your next dose until you’re wide awake and ask your healthcare provider for advice. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you. Don't drink alcohol.
Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)	This is common when you first start taking oxycodone. This generally settles and goes away. Tell your doctor if it bothers you. You may need an anti-sickness tablet.
Constipation	Constipation is very common and can be quite severe. Ask your doctor to prescribe a laxative, which you need to take regularly. You also need to eat more fibre such fresh fruit, vegetables, brown bread, bran-based breakfast cereals and drink plenty of water. Read more about how to ease and prevent constipation.
Headache, dry mouth, changes in your eyesight or vision Flushing, sweating	These are quite common when you first start taking oxycodone and usually go away with time. Tell your doctor if they bother you.
Mood changes, sleep problems, hallucinations, confusion, nightmares Palpitations or feeling like your heart is racing.	Tell your doctor if they bother you.
Changes in breathing (slow or shallow), hard to wake up, seizures Difficulty urinating (passing pee)	Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.
Signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rashes, itches, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or difficulty breathing	Tell your doctor immediately or ring Healthline 0800 611 116.