| Percocet / Endocet / Magnacet (Oxycodone-APAP) |
Submitted by joel on 4 April, 2009 - 20:34
Manufacturer:
Generic – many (Oxycodone-APAP) / Endo Pharmaceuticals (Percocet)
Intended Uses and Benefits:
Oxycodone-APAP is a medication which is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It is comprised of a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen . Oxycodone is an opiate-based narcotic pain reliever, and acetaminophen by itself is a common non-narcotic pain reliever. However, combining the oxycodone and acetaminophen together slows liver absorption and intensifies the medication's pain relief effects. Oxycodone-APAP is most commonly marketed under the brand names of Percocet, Endocet, or Magnacet. It is also distributed under the brand names Narvox, Roxicet, and Tylox. In addition, Oxycodone-APAP is very commonly prescribed in a generic form.
In general, Oxycodone-APAP is one of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat break-through pain associated with Avascular Necrosis / Osteonecrosis. Oxycodone-APAP is often prescribed in conjunction with other longer acting medications, such as Oxycontin. As a part of a pain relief regimen, many Avascular Necrosis patients feel that Oxycodone-APAP is one of the few medications which is actually effective at providing break-through pain relief for the intense and often unrelenting type of pain associated with this bone disease. However, some patients with advanced Avascular Necrosis, such as with collapsed joints, may not find Oxycodone-APAP strong enough or effective.
Possible Side-effects:
Impairment
The most commonly reported side-effects of Oxycodone-APAP are sleepiness, dizziness, light-headedness, and haziness. Some patients also report nausea or vomiting. As a result, patients who take this medication should use extreme caution and consider not driving or partaking in other dangerous activities while using this medication.
Narcotic Considerations
As with any narcotic medication, Oxycodone-APAP poses a strong risk of becoming habit-forming or addictive. Thus, patients should strictly follow doctor instructions on how to take this medication and they should use the medication with caution.
Interactions and Allergies:
Oxycodone-APAP is metabolized through the liver, thus alcohol and other medications can interfere with proper processing of this medication. Therefore, while taking Oxycodone-APAP:
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Do not consume alcohol.
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Do not take acetaminophen.
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Do not take tranquilizers or sedatives.
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Discuss all medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter, with your doctor.
Additional Notes:
Responsible patients often express concern about taking Oxycodone in any form due to this medication's addictive attributes. Yes, this medication has risks. Though, the reality is that virtually all pain relievers of this class also pose serious risks. For example, another pain reliever, Tramadol, has been shown to cause seizures in patients that never demonstrated signs of epilepsy before [3][4]. Thus as an Avascular Necrosis patient, you must discuss your pain relief needs with your doctor and weigh the risk associated with medication choices. Also, keep in mind that Oxycodone has been prescribed for over 20 years [5] and, when used responsibly, is considered by many doctors to be one of the safest medications available for treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain.
References
[4] http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/PUArticles/TramSerious.htm
[5] 1. National Drug Intelligence Center, Information Bulletin: OxyContin® Diversion and Abuse, January 2001
[5] 1. National Drug Intelligence Center, Information Bulletin: OxyContin® Diversion and Abuse, January 2001
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.
My doc prescribed these for
My doc prescribed these for me and it seems I am popping them like tic tacs. If I end up at Betty Ford because of this I will be cheesed.
D