OxyContin (Oxycodone) for Chronic Pain

Overview
OxyContin is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat pain severe enough to require daily, 24-hour, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are ineffective. OxyContin may be referred to by its drug name, Oxycodone. Oxycodone, in combination with Acetaminophen, is also sold under the brand name Percocet.

OxyContin is an opioid, or synthetic opiate, that works as a potent analgesic (painkiller). OxyContin is believed to work by reducing the perception of pain.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, regular use of opioids - even as prescribed by a doctor - can lead to dependence. If misused, opioids can cause overdose and death.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that OxyContin should be taken exactly as prescribed by the physician.

OxyContin comes as a tablet.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for OxyContin lists common side effects including headache, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, itching, sweating, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

Rare but serious side effects listed for OxyContin include addiction, severe low blood pressure, and life-threatening respiratory depression.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

OxyContin highlights of prescribing information – Purdue Pharma
http://app.purduepharma.com/xmlpublishing/pi.as...