Oxycodone for short-term
management of acute pain
This information is a general guide for
patients prescribed oxycodone for a
short time to treat acute pain. This
happens:
•
after an operation
•
as a result of injury
•
due to an acute medical illness
After an operation, injury or some
medical illnesses it is normal to have
pain. Each person will have different
levels of pain. We expect it to last
between a few days and a few weeks. It
is important for your recovery (getting
better) that you manage your pain well
so that you are able to do rehabilitation
activities such as exercises.
Why have I been given oxycodone?
Oxycodone (for example Endone
®
) is an
opioid. It is used to relieve strong pain
when other pain relievers such as
paracetamol (for example Panadol
®
,
Panamax
®
) and anti-inflammatories (for
example Brufen
®
, Voltaren
®
) are not
effective enough. Oxycodone is best
used together with paracetamol and/or
an anti-inflammatory.
You have been given oxycodone
because you may have strong pain for a
short time at home. Pain normally gets a
little less each day as you get better.
The type and amount of pain relievers
you need will change. In time, you will
only need paracetamol and/or an anti-
inflammatory or nothing at all.
How and when should I take it?
Take oxycodone only as ordered by
your doctor. This will be written on the
medicine label. If you have also been
advised to take paracetamol and/or an
anti-inflammatory, take them as well as
oxycodone
Do not take oxycodone longer than one
week as you may form a habit or
become addicted.
You should:
> Only take oxycodone when you need it to
relieve strong pain.
> If you still have strong pain after a week, see
your doctor
Before taking oxycodone
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
> Have had an allergic reaction to oxycodone
in the past (or side effects).
> Have allergies to any medicines.
> Have any other medical conditions.
> Are taking any other medicines – especially
those for pain, anxiety, sleep or depression
> Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Precautions
Oxycodone can make you sleepy. For your safety,
you should
follow the instructions
listed below
for
as long as you are taking oxycodone
:
> Do not drive, ride a bike or operate
machinery, including power tools
> Take care with potentially hazardous
situations at home, such as boiling the kettle
> Do not make important personal or business
decisions, or sign legal papers
> Do not drink alcohol, take sleeping tablets or
other medicines that make you sleepy
> Do not take more tablets than have been
prescribed
> If you become drowsy or sleepy after taking
oxycodone, do not take any more until you
are wide awake. Once you are wide awake, if
you need to take oxycodone again, take a
lower dose (such as half (1/2) the dose).
Stop taking oxycodone if you are
very sleepy or having trouble
staying awake.
Go to the emergency department
of your nearest hospital or
emergency services (000).