Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This is especially important for elderly patients, who may be more sensitive to the effects of pain medicines. If too much of this medicine is taken for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not dissolve, crush, break, or chew it.

If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount of applesauce. This mixture must be swallowed immediately without chewing and followed with a glass of cool water to ensure complete swallowing of the pellets. Do not give this medicine in a nasogastric or gastric tube.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
    • For severe pain:
      • Patients who are not taking narcotic medicines or are not opioid tolerant:
        • Adults—At first, 1 capsule (10 milligrams (mg) of oxycodone and 1.2 mg of naltrexone) every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Patients switching from regular oxycodone forms:
        • Adults—The capsule is given every 12 hours. The total amount of milligrams (mg) per day is the same as the total amount of regular oxycodone that is taken per day. The total amount per day will be divided and given as 2 doses during the day. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Patients switching from other narcotic medicines:
        • Adults—The capsule is given every 12 hours. The total amount of milligrams (mg) per day will be determined by your doctor and depends on which narcotic you were using. The total amount per day will be divided and given as 2 doses during the day. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

This medicine can cause serious unwanted effects if taken by adults who are not used to strong narcotic pain medicines, children, or pets. Make sure you store the medicine in a safe and secure place to prevent others from getting it.