Oxycodone (OxyContin) 80mg

How It Works
Oxycodone binds to the body’s natural opioid receptors, dampening pain signals travelling through the nervous system. The prolonged-release form releases the medicine slowly over twelve hours, giving steady pain relief through the day and night.

Typical Medical Use and Dosage
Oxycodone is prescribed for severe pain caused by conditions such as advanced arthritis, cancer, or major injury.
Tablets are swallowed whole with water, usually every twelve hours. They must not be crushed or chewed, as that would release the full dose at once and increase the risk of side-effects or overdose.
Doses are always tailored individually by a prescriber, who may start with a lower strength and increase gradually if needed.

Possible Side-Effects
Common effects include:

• Drowsiness or dizziness

• Nausea, constipation, or dry mouth

• Headache, itching, or mild sweating

Serious reactions that need urgent medical help can include very slow breathing, severe confusion, extreme sleepiness, or signs of an allergic reaction (swelling of the face or throat). Because tolerance and dependence can develop, treatment is reviewed regularly by the prescriber.

Precautions and Warnings
Oxycodone should be used only under close medical supervision.
Avoid it if you:

• Have serious breathing problems such as asthma or sleep apnoea

• Have a head injury or raised intracranial pressure

• Have severe liver or kidney impairment

• Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or prone to addiction or alcohol misuse

Do not drink alcohol or take sedatives while on oxycodone, as this increases drowsiness and can dangerously slow breathing. Never share your medicine with anyone else.

Legal and Safety Information (UK)
Oxycodone is a Class A controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and a Schedule 2 controlled medicine under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. It is available only on prescription from a doctor or other authorised prescriber.
Possession or supply without a valid prescription is illegal. Always obtain your medicine through a registered UK pharmacy.

Storage
Keep tablets in their original packaging at room temperature, out of sight and reach of children. Return any unused tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

Summary
Oxycodone (OxyContin) 80 mg is a strong, slow-release opioid medicine used for the management of severe pain under specialist supervision. It provides long-term relief but must be taken exactly as prescribed, with regular medical review to ensure safety.