OXYCONTIN

Drug Name: OXYCONTIN

OXYCONTIN DESCRIPTION:
OXYCODONE SUSTAINED ACTION - ORAL (ox-ee-KOH-doan)

COMMON OXYCONTIN BRAND NAME(S):
Oxycontin

OXYCONTIN SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause constipation, lightheadedness, stomach upset, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and flushing. If these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: irregular heartbeat, anxiety, tremors. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE OXYCONTIN:
OXYCONTIN: Take by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor. Take with food or milk to minimize or prevent stomach upset. Swallow tablet(s) whole. Do not crush or chew them. OXYCONTIN is usually taken every 12 hours (2 times daily). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because OXYCONTIN can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using OXYCONTIN without your doctor's approval. Over time, OXYCONTIN may not work as well as it did at the beginning. Consult your doctor if OXYCONTIN isn't relieving the pain sufficiently.

OXYCONTIN USES:
OXYCONTIN is used to relieve pain.

OXYCONTIN PRECAUTIONS:
Before using OXYCONTIN, tell your doctor your medical history, especially: severe diarrhea; stomach or intestinal disorders; breathing problems; kidney or liver disease; history of alcohol use, drug dependence, any allergies. Alcoholic beverages may increase the effects of OXYCONTIN causing dizziness or lightheadedness. Limit alcohol intake. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving. The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of OXYCONTIN. The medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Oxycodone is excreted into breast milk. Though, to date, problems have not been reported in nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

OXYCONTIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Before using OXYCONTIN, tell your doctor of all the medications you may use, both prescription and nonprescription, especially: cimetidine, alcohol use. Tell your doctor if you take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep; sedatives, tranquilizers; anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam); other narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine); psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines or tricyclics); anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine); muscle relaxants; antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Many cough-and-cold preparations contain ingredients that may add to the drowsiness effects of oxycodone. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any such medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OXYCONTIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include cold and clammy skin, low body temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.

OXYCONTIN NOTES:
Do not share OXYCONTIN with others. It is against the law.

MISSED OXYCONTIN DOSE:
If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

OXYCONTIN STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.