Oxycontin is used to treat moderate to severe pain. The extended-release form of this medication is for around-the-clock treatment of pain. It is not for treating pain just after a surgery unless you were already taking it before the surgery.

Precaution

Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a narcotic medicine (examples include Methadone, Morphine, Oxycontin, Darvocet, Percocet, Vicodin, Lortab, and many others), or to a narcotic cough medicine that contains codeine, hydrocodone, or dihydrocodeine.

You should also not take Oxycontin if you are having an asthma attack or if you have a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus.
Oxycontin may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Oxycontin should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Before using Oxycontin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

* asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
* liver or kidney disease;
* underactive thyroid;
* curvature of the spine;
* a history of head injury or brain tumor;
* epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
* low blood pressure;
* gallbladder disease;
* Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorders;
* enlarged prostate, urination problems;
* mental illness; or
* a history of drug or alcohol addiction.