Oxycontin
(oxycodone)
Treats moderate to severe pain.
Our bottom line
Oxycontin (oxycodone) treats moderate to severe pain, but can be habit-forming, especially if used long-term.
- Price before coupon$262.35
- Lowest price with coupon$83.3768% savings
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (oxycodone)
Upsides
- Oxycontin (oxycodone) is available in a tamper-resistant form to lessen the risk of abuse.
- Liquid form is available if you have trouble swallowing.
- Available in a generic version.
- The extended-release pill provides around-the-clock pain relief with convenient once or twice daily dosing.
What to expect from oxycodone, on one page
Downsides
- Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea commonly occur.
- Long-term use can cause dependence and tolerance.
- Not effective in treating all kinds of pain.
- It’s not safe to start taking extended-release pills if you've never taken an opioid medicine before.
What to expect from oxycodone, on one page
Oxycontin (oxycodone) is an opioid that works by blocks signals in your brain to alter your perception of pain.
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (oxycodone)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended-release pill
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$61.87Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- Get free coupon$83.37
- Get free coupon$83.37
- Rite AidGet free coupon$92.39
What to expect when you take Oxycontin (oxycodone) for Pain
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Itchiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Constipation
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Oxycontin (oxycodone)
- Constipation23%23%7%7%
- Nausea23%23%11%11%
- Sleepiness23%23%4%4%
- Dizziness13%13%9%9%
- Itchiness13%13%2%2%
- Vomiting12%12%7%7%
- Headache7%7%7%7%
- Dry mouth6%6%2%2%
- Weakness6%6%
- Sweating5%5%2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of oxycodone.
People taking oxycodone felt side effect more
People taking oxycodone felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Oxycontin (oxycodone)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Age 65 or greater
- › High dosages
- › After dose change
- › History of lung problems
- › Taking other painkillers or sedatives
Taking high doses of Oxycontin (oxycodone) can cause irregular or slow breathing, which can be life-threatening. Do not drink alcohol while taking Oxycontin (oxycodone). Do not crush or chew extended-release pills. Check with your pharmacist to see if other medicines you are taking may make these effects worse.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Oxycontin (oxycodone)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Don't combine with alcohol, muscle relaxants, or sleeping pills. This combination can stop your lungs from working and be deadly.
- Use of Oxycontin (oxycodone) with certain medicines for pain, sleep, anxiety, and muscle relaxation can slow down your breathing more, which can be life-threatening. Other medicines such as antibiotics may increase Oxycontin (oxycodone) levels. Talk to your doctor before you start any new medicines and before you stop taking a medicine.
- Not effective in treating all kinds of pain.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Roxicodoneon 7/21/2020It was the only pain medicine that helped my back and neck pain51ManJust as neededChronic pain
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Oxycontinon 9/24/2019For very severe chronic pain have used for over 30 yrs. Only this works. The more they reduce dose, the higher pain level goes, shame on them. Time release claim to last 12 hrs, plan on only 8. If you are forced to accept this life style please know that you'll be treated as if you're a drug addict by medical community, no matter who you are or how much pain your condition causes. These are hard times for pain patients.65WomanTwo years or moreChronic pain
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed oxycodoneMy pain mgmt doctor worked hard to find the right med, dosage and least side effects that manages my pain and improved my quality of life and remaining somewhat functional. Now I worry d/t doctors being pressured to stop prescribing it.51Woman
- Taking Oxycontin (oxycodone) can make you confused and drowsy. Do not drive or do activities that require concentration while on this medicine.
- Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea commonly occur.