OxyContin Oxycodone OC 80mg 100 Tablets

What is OxyContin OC 80mg?

OxyContin is a trade name for the prescription pain reliever oxycodone hydrochloride. The designation OC refers to the original controlled-release (Continuous Release) formulation of the drug developed by Purdue Pharma, while the OP (seen in other strengths) indicates a newer formulation with an abuse-deterrent coating. The 80mg strength is considered a high dose, generally reserved for patients who are already opioid-tolerant and require continuous, around-the-clock pain management for moderate to severe chronic pain.

Attention Dispenser: Accompanying Medication Guide must be provided to the patient upon dispensing.

ATC-Code N02AA05

OxyContin®
(oxycodone hydrochloride)
extended-release tablets

80 mg

100 Tablets  Rx Only

Usual Dosage: Read accompanying prescribing information.
Swallow tablets whole. Do not cut, break, crush, or dissolve.

For use in opioid-tolerant patients only

Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.
Store at 15°–30°C (59°–86°F).
[See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

Purdue Pharma L.P.
Stamford, CT 06901-3431
302966-0F

(Barcode: 3 59011 48010 4)

OxyContin Side Effects

OxyContin, as a potent opioid, carries a serious risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death.

Common Side Effects:

• Constipation (very common)

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Somnolence (drowsiness) and Dizziness

• Pruritus (itching)

• Dry mouth, Sweating

Serious and Life-Threatening Side Effects:

• Respiratory Depression: Slowed or shallow breathing is the most critical risk and can be fatal, especially if the tablet is manipulated (crushed, chewed, or dissolved) which releases the entire 80mg dose at once.

• Overdose: Symptoms include extreme sleepiness, pinpoint pupils, cold/clammy skin, and loss of consciousness.

• Physical Dependence and Withdrawal: The body becomes physically dependent, and abrupt discontinuation can cause severe withdrawal symptoms.

Oxycodone vs OxyContin

The difference lies in the formulation and release rate, not the active ingredient.¹

OxyContin is essentially oxycodone that has been formulated with a specialized coating to control the rate at which the drug enters the bloodstream.

OxyContin Family (Sackler Family)

This refers to the Sackler family, the former owners of Purdue Pharma.

• Role in the Opioid Crisis: The family and the company they owned have been at the center of the U.S. opioid epidemic due to allegations that Purdue Pharma, with the knowledge of family members, aggressively and deceptively marketed OxyContin as having a low risk of addiction.

• Financial Benefit: The Sackler family withdrew billions of dollars from Purdue Pharma through OxyContin sales, even as the scale of the addiction crisis became apparent.

• Legal Action: They have faced thousands of lawsuits from states, municipalities, and individuals seeking to hold them accountable for their role in the crisis. A lengthy legal process led to a settlement that involved the family relinquishing ownership of Purdue Pharma and paying billions of dollars to fund opioid crisis abatement efforts, though the settlement terms have been subject to significant court review.

Purdue Pharma

Purdue Pharma L.P. is the pharmaceutical company that developed, patented, and manufactured OxyContin.

• Launch: OxyContin was introduced in 1996 and quickly became a blockbuster drug due to highly effective and aggressive marketing that encouraged doctors to prescribe it widely for chronic pain, claiming its time-release mechanism made it less addictive than other pain medications.

• Guilty Pleas: The company pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges in 2007 and again in 2020 for misbranding the drug and other criminal acts.

  OxyNorm vs OxyContin

Both are brand names for products containing the active ingredient oxycodone, but they differ in their release profile:

• OxyNorm: This is an Immediate-Release (IR) formulation of oxycodone (similar to “Oxycodone” discussed above). It provides quick pain relief for a shorter duration (typically 4-6 hours). It is used for acute pain or for breakthrough pain in patients already on a long-acting opioid.

• OxyContin: This is the Controlled-Release (CR) or Extended-Release (ER) formulation. It is designed to release the drug steadily over a 12-hour period to provide continuous pain relief, making it suitable for chronic, constant pain.

Important Medical and Safety Warning: This information is for educational purposes only. OxyContin is a highly potent, Schedule II controlled substance. Misuse or abuse of this product can cause severe addiction, respiratory distress, and death. Never take this medication unless prescribed to you by a healthcare professional, and never alter the tablet (crush, chew, or dissolve it). If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, please seek immediate medical or professional help.