Primary medical use
OxyContin 80mg is a powerful, extended-release formulation designed for pain that is severe enough to require continuous, around-the-clock opioid treatment for an extended period of time. It is most often prescribed for the management of chronic pain in cancer patients.
Important safety restrictions
Due to the significant dangers associated with this high-dose medication, prescribing guidelines are very strict.
- For opioid-tolerant patients only: A single dose of 80mg is only for patients who are already tolerant to opioids of comparable potency.
- Risk of fatal overdose: Administering an 80mg dose to a patient who is not tolerant to opioids can cause fatal respiratory depression.
- Do not crush or chew: The tablets must be swallowed whole. Breaking, chewing, or crushing an OxyContin 80mg tablet will destroy its controlled-release mechanism, leading to a rapid and potentially fatal release of oxycodone.
- Not for as-needed use: The medication is intended to prevent pain around the clock, not to be taken on an as-needed basis
