Oxycodone and aspirin (patient information)

Why is this medication prescribed
The combination of oxycodone and aspirin is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. Oxycodone is in a class of medications called narcotic analgesics. Aspirin is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Oxycodone works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Aspirin works by decreasing pain messages received by the brain.

How should this medicine be used
The combination of oxycodone and aspirin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 6 hours as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take oxycodone and aspirin exactly as directed. Oxycodone can be habit-forming. Do not take more or less of this medication or take it more often or for a longer time than prescribed by your doctor.

Do not stop taking oxycodone and aspirin combination without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually if you have been taking this medication for a long time.

Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow
Before taking oxycodone and aspirin


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to aspirin, oxycodone, or any other medications
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: acetazolamide (Diamox); angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors; antacids; anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); corticosteroids including cortisone (Cortone), dexamethasone (Decadron), hydrocortisone (Cortef), or prednisone (Deltasone); diuretics ('water pills'); medications for allergies, coughs or colds; other medications that contain aspirin; medications for anxiety, depression, or mental illness; medications for diabetes; medications for dizziness, nausea, or motion sickness; medications for gout, pain, or seizures; methotrexate; muscle relaxants; nizatidine (Axid); penicillins; phenybutazone; probenecid; sedatives; sleeping pills; sulfa antibiotics including sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra), sulfamethizole (Urobiotic), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), sulfisoxazole (Eryzole, Gantrisin, Pediazole); sulfinpyrazone (Anturane); or tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
 * tell your doctor if you have recently had the flu, chickenpox, a head injury, or any sudden problem in your stomach or intestinal area; if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol; or if you have or have ever had Addison's disease (condition where the adrenal gland does not produce enough hormones); anemia; asthma; gout; hemophilia or any other bleeding disorder; nasal polyps; prostatic hypertrophy (BPH, a condition where the prostate becomes large and can block urine flow); problems urinating; ulcers; or kidney, liver, thyroid or lung disease. Also tell your doctor if you have ever used street drugs or overused prescription drugs.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking oxycodone and aspirin combination, call your doctor.
 * if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking oxycodone and aspirin.
 * you should know that oxycodone and aspirin may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
 * remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.

What special dietary instructions should I follow
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose
This medication usually is taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take oxycodone and aspirin combination regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Mild side effects
''Oxycodone and aspirin combination may cause side effects. Lying down may help to relieve some of the following symptoms. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:''


 * dizziness
 * lightheadedness
 * drowsiness
 * elevated or depressed mood
 * upset stomach
 * indigestion
 * stomach pain
 * vomiting
 * constipation
 * decreased appetite

Severe side effects
''Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:''


 * hives
 * skin rash
 * itching
 * difficulty breathing or swallowing
 * swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
 * hoarseness
 * ringing in the ears
 * decreased hearing
 * abnormal bruising or bleeding
 * bloody or black stools
 * red blood in stools
 * vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
 * bloody vomit
 * extreme tiredness
 * weakness
 * confusion
 * seizure
 * yellowing of the skin or eyes

Oxycodone and aspirin combination may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom) and light. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:
 * mild burning in throat or stomach
 * vomiting
 * dizziness
 * extreme drowsiness
 * mental confusion
 * double vision
 * abnormally elevated mood
 * seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
 * Difficulty breathing
 * bluish color around lips, fingernails, or toenails
 * cold, clammy skin
 * fever
 * restlessness
 * irritability
 * incoherent speech
 * shaking hands that you cannot control
 * seizure
 * loss of muscle tone
 * decreased urination
 * unresponsiveness
 * coma
 * decreased heart beat

What other information should I know
Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

 * Endodan®
 * Percodan®
 * Roxiprin®

Other names

 * Oxycodone and ASA