This medication is used to help relieve severe ongoing pain (such as due to cancer). Oxycodone belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain.

Higher doses of this drug (more than 36 milligrams per dose or 72 milligrams per day) should be used only if you have been regularly taking moderate to large amounts of an opioid medication. These doses may cause overdose (even death) if taken by a person who has not been regularly taking opioids.

Do not use the extended-release form of oxycodone to relieve pain that is mild or that will go away in a few days. This medication is not for occasional (“as needed”) use.

See also Warning section.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking extended-release oxycodone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication on a regular schedule as directed by your doctor, not as needed for sudden (breakthrough) pain. Take this drug with food, usually every 12 hours. Since food can affect the amount of drug that is absorbed, take this medication with around the same amount of food each time. If you have nausea, ask your doctor or pharmacist about ways to decrease nausea (such as lying down for 1 to 2 hours with as little head movement as possible).

Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules.

If you have trouble swallowing the capsules, the capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled on a spoonful of soft food (such as applesauce, yogurt). Swallow all of the drug/food mixture right away without chewing. Then rinse your mouth and swallow the rinse liquid to make sure that you have swallowed all of the dose. Do not chew the mixture or prepare a supply in advance. Another way to take the capsule is to open the capsule and sprinkle the contents into a cup. Then pour the contents directly in your mouth and swallow.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed, because your risk of side effects may increase. Properly stop the medication when so directed.

Before you start taking this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should stop or change how you use your other opioid medication(s). Other pain relievers (such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen) may also be prescribed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using oxycodone safely with other drugs.