OxyContin Oxycodone OP 15 mg 100 tablets

What is OxyContin?

OxyContin is a trade name for the prescription pain medication oxycodone hydrochloride. The designation OP indicates an abuse-deterrent, controlled-release (extended-release) formulation. The 15mg strength is an intermediate dose used for the management of moderate to severe pain that requires continuous, around-the-clock opioid treatment for an extended period.

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

NDC 59011-415-10

OxyContin®
(oxycodone hydrochloride)
extended-release tablets

15 mg

100 Tablets  Rx Only

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

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
302977-0F

(Barcode: 3 59011 41510 6)

OxyContin Side Effects

OxyContin, as an opioid, has a high risk of side effects, including the most serious risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, and life-threatening respiratory depression (slowed or stopped breathing), especially if the tablet is crushed, chewed, or dissolved, which defeats the controlled-release mechanism and releases a potentially fatal dose rapidly.

Common Side Effects:

• Constipation (very common)

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Dizziness and Somnolence (drowsiness)

• Headache

• Pruritus (itching)

• Dry mouth, Sweating

  Serious Side Effects and Risks:

• Respiratory Depression: The most dangerous risk, potentially leading to death.

• Overdose: Signs include extreme drowsiness, difficulty breathing, pinpoint pupils, and loss of consciousness.

• Physical Dependence: The body adapts to the presence of the drug, leading to withdrawal if discontinued suddenly.

  Oxycodone vs OxyContin

Oxycodone is the active drug ingredient—a semi-synthetic opioid. OxyContin is a brand name for a specific formulation of oxycodone.¹

Feature	Oxycodone (e.g., Immediate-Release)	OxyContin (Controlled-Release / Extended-Release)
Active Ingredient	Oxycodone	Oxycodone
Release Profile	Releases the drug immediately for rapid, but shorter-lived, relief.	Releases the drug slowly and continuously over a 12-hour period.
Use	For acute pain or breakthrough pain.	For chronic pain requiring around-the-clock, continuous treatment.

OxyContin Family (Sackler Family)

The Sackler family were the former owners of Purdue Pharma, the company that manufactured OxyContin.

The family has been widely criticized and faced thousands of lawsuits for their role in the U.S. opioid epidemic.

The family reached a major settlement to relinquish ownership of Purdue Pharma and pay billions toward opioid crisis abatement efforts, though the settlement terms have been subject to court review.

Purdue Pharma

Purdue Pharma L.P. is the pharmaceutical company that developed and introduced OxyContin in 1996.

The company was highly successful due to the sales of OxyContin, but its aggressive marketing practices led to federal and state lawsuits.

Purdue Pharma filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019 amid the ongoing litigation.

OxyNorm vs OxyContin

Both are brand names for products containing oxycodone, but they have different release mechanisms:

OxyContin: A Controlled-Release (CR) or Extended-Release (ER) formulation, meaning the medication is released slowly over 12 hours for continuous, long-acting pain relief.

OxyContin Addiction Treatment

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Considered the gold standard, MAT combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies.

Counseling and Behavioral Therapies: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), individual and group counseling, and contingency management help patients address the psychological aspects of addiction.

OxyContin Addiction

OxyContin is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for abuse and addiction (Opioid Use Disorder).

Mechanism: Opioids activate reward pathways in the brain by triggering the release of dopamine, creating intense feelings of euphoria and well-being. This powerful reward reinforces drug-seeking behavior.

Risk Factors: Addiction risk increases with high doses, prolonged use, a personal or family history of substance use, or using the drug in a way other than prescribed (e.g., crushing the tablet).

Signs of OUD: Uncontrolled use, cravings, continuing to use despite negative consequences (health, work, relationships), withdrawal symptoms when stopping, and an inability to cut down use.

OxyContin Withdrawal

When a person who is physically dependent on OxyContin suddenly stops or significantly reduces their dose, they will experience withdrawal symptoms.

Cause: The body has adapted to the continuous presence of the opioid, and without it, the central nervous system overreacts.

Symptoms: Symptoms are often described as severe flu-like illness and can include: anxiety, agitation, muscle and bone pain, excessive yawning, watery eyes, runny nose, sweating, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Duration: As an extended-release opioid, withdrawal symptoms may not begin for 12–24 hours after the last dose, and the acute withdrawal phase typically lasts for about 5–7 days, though psychological symptoms and some physical discomfort can persist longer (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome or PAWS).

OxyContin vs Fentanyl

Fentanyl is significantly more potent than OxyContin (oxycodone)

Medical and Safety Warning: This information is for educational purposes only. OxyContin is a potent prescription opioid. Misuse, abuse, or sudden cessation can be extremely dangerous, potentially leading to overdose and death. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use or addiction, please seek immediate professional medical help. Do not stop taking a prescribed opioid without consulting your doctor.