Oxycodone Tips from Pharmacists

• Do not split, cut, crush, chew, or dissolve the extended-release tablets of oxycodone. Doing so can lead to overdose and death by releasing a lot of the medicine at once (this dosage form is designed to slowly release the medicine over a period of time).

• If you have trouble swallowing pills, you can open the extended release capsules and sprinkle the contents over some soft food. Consume this mixture immediately. Do not store it for use later on.

• Take Xtampza ER brand extended-release capsules with the same amount of food every day. Do not take this formulation on an empty stomach, as it can lead to decreased absorption of the drug and incomplete pain relief.

• Never use a household spoon to measure the dose of liquid medicine. Use a dose-measuring device provided by your pharmacy.

• Oxycodone can make you drowsy and dizzy. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about having naloxone (Narcan) at home in case of an accidental overdose. Make sure family members know how to recognize an overdose and how to use naloxone.