Sometimes the pain we experience can be so severe that ordinary painkillers cannot control it. It can be severe pain after major surgery or due to some medical condition. In such cases, doctors will give you a special painkiller that contains a combination of two drugs called Acetaminophen and Oxycodone. Since this is very strong, it is very important to be aware of it and use it properly. Let's talk about this in detail today.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, this is a combination of two main types of painkillers.
1. Acetaminophen: This is a pain and fever control drug, very similar to the well-known paracetamol.
2. Oxycodone: This is the most powerful ingredient in this. It belongs to a group of powerful painkillers called opioids. These are used to control moderate to severe pain.
Another special feature of these pills is that they are made as "Extended-Release" (XR). This means that after you take the pill, the medicine in it is gradually released into the body over a period of hours. So you don't need to take the medicine as often.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
When you talk to your doctor about this medication, be sure to mention any of the conditions below. This is extremely important for your safety.
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to these medications (Acetaminophen, Oxycodone) or any other medicine or food.
- If you have or have had a drug or alcohol addiction.
- If you are a frequent drinker.
- If you have liver or kidney disease.
- If you have lung disease, asthma, or breathing difficulties.
- If you have a condition such as headaches or seizures.
- If you have intestinal problems (e.g. constipation).
- Low adrenal gland function.
- If you have taken an MAOI (e.g. Marplan, Nardil, Parnate) antidepressant within the past 14 days.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Don't hide this information from your doctor. Providing accurate information will go a long way in helping you receive safe treatment.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
Be very careful about these things when using this medicine.
- How to swallow the pill: The special thing about this is that it is an extended-release pill that is designed to be absorbed into the body over time. Therefore , never break, crush, or chew this pill. The pill should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. If you don't, all the medicine can be absorbed into the body at once and cause dangerous side effects.
- Taking with food: If you experience stomach upset, take this medicine with or after a meal. Or you can take it without food.
- Take it at the right time: Take the right dose, at the right time, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not reduce the dose because you think the pain is less, or take more because you think the pain is more.
- If you miss a dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then, take the next dose in 12 hours. Never take two pills at once (a double dose) to make up for a forgotten dose.
- In case of an overdose: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, it is an emergency. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital (telephone number 0112 686 143), or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- Do not share: This medicine is for you only. Even if someone else has the same pain as you, never give this medicine to anyone else. It is illegal and very dangerous.
Things to keep in mind when taking this medicine
Tolerance and Addiction
As you continue to take this medicine, you may find that the dose you are taking is not enough to control the pain you were previously experiencing. This is called tolerance . This is normal with this type of medicine and is not addictive. If you feel this way, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose.
Also, this medicine can cause physical dependence. This is not an addiction. Addiction is the feeling of wanting to use a medicine without a medical reason. You are taking it for a medical reason, such as pain. Therefore , do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause withdrawal symptoms. If you need to stop, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.
Interactions with other medications
You need to be very careful about using other medications when taking this medicine.
| Type of medicine / substance | Possible impact |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty breathing can become very severe and even life-threatening. |
| Other medicines containing paracetamol (Acetaminophen) | Because this medicine already contains Acetaminophen, taking other paracetamols can lead to an Acetaminophen overdose and serious liver damage . |
| Medications for sleep, anxiety, and depression | Severely increases effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and decreased breathing rate. |
| Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines) | Increases drowsiness and decreased attention. |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
Possible Side Effects
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects.
| Side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergic reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Difficulty breathing | Breathing is very slow or difficult. |
| Liver Injury | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, extreme fatigue. |
| Confusion | Loss of consciousness, loss of memory of place and time. |
| It is usually not dangerous, but if it persists, tell your doctor. | |
| Constipation | This is a very common condition caused by this medication. If you do not pass stool for 3 days, tell your doctor . |
| Drowsiness, dizziness | This condition may persist until the body gets used to the medication. |
| Nausea, vomiting | This can be reduced by taking the medicine with food. |
| Dry mouth | Drink plenty of water. Chewing sugar-free gum may help. |
How to store and dispose of medicine safely?
Because this is a very powerful medicine, you also need to think about how to protect it.
- Safe storage: Keep in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets. This medicine can be fatal if swallowed by a child or other person.
- Disposal: If you have any leftover or expired medications, they should be disposed of properly. Some pharmacies have programs that accept old medications. Check with your doctor about them. Or, ask your doctor about how to safely dispose of them. Never throw these powerful medications in the trash for any reason.
Take-Home Message
- This is a strong painkiller that is only given for severe pain. Always use it as prescribed by your doctor.
- Never break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow it whole.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. It is very dangerous.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking. Do not take any other medications containing paracetamol (Acetaminophen) with this one.
- If you suspect that you or someone else has overdosed on a medication, seek emergency medical treatment (ETU) immediately.
- Always store medication in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.
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