Home
OxyContin (Oxycodone)
Submitted by midian on 20 February, 2009 - 06:41
Manufacturer: 
Generic - many (Oxycodone) / Purdue Pharma (OxyContin)
Intended Uses and Benefits: 

Oxycodone is an opiate-based narcotic pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe pain. OxyContin® is the brand name of a commonly-prescribed extended-release formula of oxycodone, first introduced to the U.S. market by Purdue Pharma in 1996. [1]  Doctors frequently prescribe the extended-release version of this medication to provide patients with around-the-clock pain relief. This medication provides a steady and constant level of benefit. However, this medication is not considered effective in treating "breakthrough" or abnormal spikes in pain.

In general, OxyContin is probably the most common medication prescribed to treat AVN/Osteonecrosis pain because it tends to lessen the overall type of pain inherent to this disease's effects. According to the FDA's published data for this medication:
OxyContin is intended to help relieve pain that is moderate to severe in intensity, when that pain is present all the time, and expected to continue for a long time. This level of pain severity may be caused by a variety of different medical conditions. [2]
Possible Side-effects: 

Narcotic Considerations
Being a narcotic, OxyContin poses a very strong risk of becoming habit forming or addictive. The U.S. Department of Justice lists Oxycontin/oxycodone as a Schedule II narcotic and cites some admittedly frightening statistics about how oxycodone has been illicitly abused for over 30 years. [3] Considering the risks, this medication should never be given to a patient that already has a history of drug abuse problems. In addition, the FDA has strengthened warnings for the use of OxyContin since its initial FDA approval. [4]

 
If you are considering this medication of if your doctor has prescribed it, it is crucial to be aware that long-term use of this medication poses some very high risks and regular doctor's supervision is required to ensure that the use of this medication is safe.


Impairment
Some patients report this medication can cause sleepiness, grogginess, or haziness.  Also, this medication can impact thinking and reaction times.  As a result, patients taking this medication should use extreme caution and consider not driving or partaking in other dangerous activities while on this medication.

Interactions and Allergies: 

Dangerous side effects including liver damage or even death can occur when alcohol is combined with a narcotic pain medicine such as OxyContin. It is highly recommended to pay close attention to food and medication labels to be aware of any alcohol intake while using this medication.

Additional Notes: 

With all the warnings clearly disclosed, choosing medications to treat Avascular Necrosis is an exercise in choosing the most effective medication with the lowest possible risk of side effects. Yes, OxyContin has significant risks. However, virtually all current medications that are considered suitable for treating moderate to severe pain have serious risks as well. As a patient, the key point to remember is that when used responsibly and when comparing the risks and benefits of OxyContin, many doctors feel that OxyContin is the safest and most effective choice for moderate to severe pain relief.

 
 
0
Your rating: None

Disclaimer: While we do our best to ensure information integrity, member-submitted medication details may not be complete or accurate. Always discuss medication benefits, side-effects, and contraindications with your doctor or pharmacist.

»
;
   
 
Become a member Log in to your account About Us