Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Oxycodone hydrochloride may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma contains the active substance oxycodone hydrochloride which belongs to a group of medicines called opioids and has a strong analgesic (painkilling) effect. Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma is indicated in adults and adolescents (from 12 years and older) for the treatment of severe pain, which can be adequately managed only with opioid analgesics 2.
What you need to know before you are treated with Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma
You must not be treated with Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma if you are allergic to oxycodone hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). if you have breathing problems, such as breathing more slowly or more weakly than expected (respiratory depression), low amount of oxygen or too much carbon dioxide in your blood. if you have a severe chronic lung disease associated with narrowing of the airways (COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). if you have a certain heart condition after long-term lung disease known as cor pulmonale. if you have severe bronchial asthma. if you have a type of bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma if you are elderly or debilitated (weak). if your lung, liver or kidney function is impaired. if you have an impaired function of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism or myxoedema).
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if you have delirium tremens due to alcohol withdrawal causing severe confusion, hallucinations and shaking. if you have enlargement of the prostate. if you have an inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). if you have problems with your gall bladder or urinary tract, including difficulty or pain passing urine. if your doctor suspects you have intestinal paralysis (a condition where the bowel has stopped working) if you have inflammatory bowel disease. if your brain pressure is increased e.g. as a result of a head injury. if you have low blood pressure or if you have a reduced blood volume. if you have impaired consciousness if you are also taking a type of medicine known as take so called MAO inhibitors (generally used to for the treatment of depression or Parkinson's disease) or if you have been taking them within the last 2 weeks (see "other medicines" below).
The most severe risk of opioid overdose is very slow or weak breathing (respiratory depression), which is most common in the elderly or frail patients. Opioids may also cause a sudden, severe drop in blood pressure in people with an increased risk of this phenomenon. This may lead to fainting, for example (please see also Section 3 and 4). Sleep-related breathing disorders Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma can cause sleep-related breathing disorders such as sleep apnea (breathing pauses during sleep) and sleep related hypoxemia (low oxygen level in the blood). The symptoms can include breathing pauses during sleep, night awakening due to shortness of breath, difficulties to maintain sleep or excessive drowsiness during the day. If you or another person observe these symptoms, contact your doctor. A dose reduction may be considered by your doctor. Tolerance, dependence and addiction When Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma is used for long-time treatment, tolerance to the medicine may occur. This means, that you may need a higher dose to achieve the desired pain relief. Do not change the dosage without consulting your doctor. This medicine contains oxycodone which is an opioid medicine. Repeated use of opioid painkillers can result in the drug being less effective (you become accustomed to it, known as tolerance). Repeated use of Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma may lead to dependence, abuse, and addiction, which may result in life-threatening overdose. The risk of these side effects can increase with a higher dose and longer duration of use. Dependence or addiction can make you feel that you are no longer in control of how much medicine you need to take or how often you need to take it. You might feel that you need to carry on taking your medicine, even when it doesn't help to relieve your pain. The risk of becoming dependent or addicted varies from person to person. You may have a greater risk of becoming dependent or addicted on Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma if: you or anyone in your family have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines or illegal drugs ("addiction"). you are a smoker. you have ever had problems with your mood (depression, anxiety or a personality disorder) or have been treated by a psychiatrist for other mental illnesses. If you notice any of the following signs whilst taking Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma, it could be a sign that you have become dependent or addicted.
However if your doctor does prescribe Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma together with sedative medicines the dose and duration of concomitant treatment should be limited by your doctor. Please tell your doctor about all sedative medicines you are taking, and follow your doctor's dose recommendation closely. It could be helpful to inform friends or relatives to be aware of the signs and symptoms stated above. Contact your doctor when experiencing such symptoms. The risk of side effects increases, if you use antidepressants (such as citalopram, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine). These medicines may interact with oxycodone and you may experience symptoms such as involuntary, rhythmic contractions of muscles, including the muscles that control movement of the eye, agitation, excessive sweating, tremor, exaggeration of reflexes, increased muscle tension, body temperature above 38°C. Contact your doctor when experiencing such symptoms. The risk of side effects is increased if Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma is used at the same time as medicines that can affect brain function. Medicines that affect the way the brain works include:
muscle relaxants used to treat muscle spasms medicines used to treat Parkinson's disease, other strong pain relievers (opioids), cimetidine (a medicine for stomach ulcers, indigestion or heartburn), medicines for fungal infections (such as ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole or posaconazole), medicines for bacterial infections (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin or telithromycin), medicines from the group of protease inhibitors to treat HIV infection (e.g. boceprevir, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir or saquinavir), rifampicin for tuberculosis, carbamazepine (a medicine for epilepsy or seizures and for certain types of pain), phenytoin (a medicine for epilepsy or seizures), the medicinal plant St. John's wort (also known as Hypericum perforatum), quinidine (a medicine for irregular heartbeat), certain medicines to prevent blood clotting or to thin the blood (such as coumarin medicines).
Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma with drink and alcohol Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma should not be taken with alcohol. Alcohol use could increase serious side-effects of oxycodone, such as sleepiness and drowsiness and slow and shallow breathing. Grapefruit juice may increase the levels of Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma in your blood. Check with your doctor if you drink grapefruit juice regularly. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Pregnancy The use of Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma should be avoided to the extent possible during pregnancy. Prolonged use of oxycodone during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in newborns. If oxycodone is given during childbirth it may cause berathing difficulties (respiratory depression) in the newborn. Breast-feeding Do not take this medicine if you are breast-feeding. Oxycodone passes into breast milk and may cause shallow and slow breathing (respiratory depression) in the breast-fed child. Driving and using machines The medicine can affect your ability to drive as it may make you sleepy or dizzy.
How to take Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Do not change the dosage without consulting your doctor. You should be given the lowest effective dose sufficient to relieve your pain. If you have previously been treated with opioids, your doctor may start your therapy with a higher dose. It may be necessary to increase the dose gradually if the pain relief is insufficient or if the pain becomes worse. A doctor or nurse will usually prepare and administer the injection for you. Adults and adolescents (from 12 years and older) Your doctor will adjust your dosage according to pain intensity and to your individual needs. If you have been treated with other strong pain killers (opioids) before, the doctor may adjust your dose taking into account your previous dose. If you experience pain between doses of Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma you may require higher doses of Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma. Please talk to your doctor if you have this problem. You should not be given Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma for longer than necessary. Use in children (below 12 years):
Safety and efficacy of Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma have not been tested sufficiently in children under 12 years of age. Therefore, treatment with Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma is not recommended in children under 12 years of age.
to you Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma is given as a single injection or slow infusion into vein or under the skin. It is given by a healthcare professional. In special cases Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma can be given by patient controlled analgesia. In such cases the doctor will instruct you how much and when to take Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma. If you use more Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma than you should Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma is given to you by a doctor or nurse and is it not likely that you get too much. However if you believe you have gotten an too high dose, inform the hospital staff immediately. In special cases Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma may be given by yourself or a carer: if you think you have gotten too much of Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma or if someone else has taken it by mistake, immediately contact a doctor, hospital or your local poison control center. Members of the public seeking specific information on poisons should contact: In England and Wales: NHS 111 – dial 111 In Scotland: NHS 24 – dial 111 www.npis.org Overdosing can cause:
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Contact a doctor immediately if the following symptom occurs: Very slow or weak breathing (respiratory depression). This is the most most serious risk in connection with medicines such as Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma (opioids), and may even be fatal after high doses of this medicine. Other side effects that may occur: Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people Sleepiness to drowsiness, dizziness, headache Constipation, feeling or being sick. Your doctor will prescribe an appropriate medicine to treat these symptoms. Itching Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people Changes in mood (anxiety, confusion, depression, nervousness, sleep disorders, abnormal thoughts or dreams) Trembling Lowering of blood pressure, rarely accompanied by symptoms such as feeling your heartbeat, fainting or difficulty in breathing or wheezing Difficulty in breathing or wheezing, airway spasm Dry mouth, rarely accompanied by thirst and difficulty swallowing, general symptoms of indigestion such as stomachache, diarrhoea, heartburn, decreased appetite Rash Sweating, sometimes heavily Weakness Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people Allergic reactions Increase in the amount of a certain hormone (ADH = antidiuretic hormone) in the blood. Lack of water in the body (dehydration) Restlessness, mood swings, hallucinations, euphoric mood, decreased libido, drug dependence Amnesia Tingling or numbness (e.g. in the hands or feet) Convulsions, increased or decreased muscle tension, or uncontrollled movements Reduced sensitivity to pain or touch Changes in taste Difficult speeking Visual impairment, reduction in the size of the pupils Fainting or feeling of spinning or whirling (vertigo) Unpleasant sensation of irregular and/or forceful beating of the heart (in the context of withdrawal), increased pulse rate, low blood pressure Widening of the blood vessels causing low blood pressure Shortness of breath, increased coughing, sore throat, runny nose, voice changes Difficulty swallowing, mouth ulcers, inflammation of the gum or mouth causing sore gums/mouth, flatulence (excessive gas in the stomach or bowel), belching, obstruction of the bowel (ileus) Increased blood levels of certain hepatic enzymes (seen in blood tests) Dry skin Problems passing urine, frequent urination Disturbances of sexual function, impotence
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Chills, feeling sick, injuries due to accidents resulting from decreased alertness, pain (e.g. chest pain), fluid retention (oedema), migraine, thirst, physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms, tolerance
Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people Lymph node disease Seizures (fits), in particular in patients having epilepsy or with a tendency to seizures Low blood pressure, fall in blood pressure on standing up which causes dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting Bleeding gums Increased appetite Dark-coloured stools Itchy rash, blisters on the skin and mucosa (cold sores or herpes simplex), increased sensitivity to light Blood in urine Changes in body weight (loss or rise) Painful infection of the skin (cellulitis) Very rare: may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people Scaly rash Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data Sleep apnoea (breathing pauses during sleep) Severe allergic reactions (which may cause difficulty in breathing, dizziness, skin rashes, fever) Aggression Increased sensitivity to pain Cavities or tooth decay Painful conditions where bile cannot flow from the liver to the duodenum (cholestasis) or stomach pain due to a gallstone temporarily blocking the bile duct (biliary colic) Absence of menstrual bleeding Long term use of Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma during pregnancy may cause lifethreatening withdrawal symptoms in the new-born. Symptoms to look for in the baby include irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, shaking, being sick, diarrhoea and not putting on weight. A problem affecting a valve in the intestines that may cause severe upper abdominal pain (sphincter of Oddi dysfunction). Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme, Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.
Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Store this medicine in a locked safe and secure storage space, where other people cannot access it. It can cause serious harm and be fatal to people when it has not been prescribed for them. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not freeze.
Once the ampoule is opened the solution for injection/infusion should be used immediately. Any unused solution should be discarded. Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 48 hours/days at room temperature. This medicinal product is for single use only. Only clear solution free from particles and discoloration should be used. Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 6.
What Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma contains –
The active substance is oxycodone hydrochloride. Each ml contains 10 mg oxycodone hydrochloride. The other ingredients are sodium chloride, citric acid monohydrate, sodium hydroxide (for pHadjusting), hydrochloric acid (for pH-adjusting), water for injections.
What Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma looks like and contents of the pack Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma is a clear, colourless to slightly yellowish solution. Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma is available in clear, colourless glass ampoules of 1 ml or 2 ml with OPC (one point cut) breaking system. Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma is packed in card board fold boxes containing 1, 3, 5 or 10 ampoules per pack. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer G.L. Pharma GmbH, Schlossplatz 1, 8502 Lannach, Austria Marketing Authorisation Number PL 21597/0044 This leaflet was last revised in April 2024. __________________________________________________________________________ The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: Posology The dosage depends on the pain intensity, the total condition of the patient, previous or concurrent medication, and the patient's individual susceptibility to the treatment. The following general dosage recommendations apply:
The following starting doses are recommended. A gradual increase in dose may be required if analgesia is inadequate or if pain severity increases. If an immediate release opioid formulation is used as rescue medication in addition to prolongedrelease, the need for more than two "rescues" per day could be an indication that the prolonged-release dosage requires upward titration. Adults and adolescents (from 12 years and older) i.v. (Bolus): Administer a bolus dose of 1 to 10 mg slowly over 1-2 minutes to opioid-naïve patients. Doses should not be administered more frequently than every 4 hours. A maximum bolus dose of 5 mg is recommended in adolescents (from 12 years and older). i.v. (Infusion): A starting dose of 2 mg/hour is recommended in opioid-naïve patients. i.v. (PCA): Bolus doses of 0.03 mg/kg should be administered with a minimum lock-out time of 5 minutes to opioid-naïve patients. s.c. (Bolus): Use as 10 mg/ml concentration. A starting dose of 5 mg is recommended, repeated at 4hourly intervals in opioid-naïve patients as required. s.c. (Infusion): A starting dose of 7.5 mg/day is recommended in opioid naïve patients, titrating gradually according to symptom control. A starting dose of 5 mg/day is recommended in adolescents (from 12 years and older), titrating gradually according to symptom control. Cancer patients transferring from oral oxycodone may require much higher doses (see below) Transferring patients between oral and parenteral oxycodone The dose should be based on the following ratio: 2 mg of oral oxycodone is equivalent to 1 mg of parenteral oxycodone, if only a few doses have been given. In case of shift in choice of opioid to a patient, who has been in long-term opioid-treatment (opioidrotation), it should be emphasised that the above mentioned equipotent doses are guidance only. Often it is necessary to administer less a decreased dose as equipotency recommend. Based on this and the patients interindividual variability a shift requires that the dosing is titrated carefully for every single patient. This medicinal product is for single use only, any unused solution should be discarded. For intravenous use Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma concentrate for solution for infusion should be diluted to a concentration of 1 mg/ml oxycodone hydrochloride. Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma 10 mg/ml solution for injection/infusion and Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma 20 mg/2 ml solution for injection/infusion may be diluted with Water for injections Sodium chloride 9 mg/mL (0.9%) solution for injection Glucose 50 mg/mL (5%) solution for injection Ringer's solution for injection Sodium chloride and Glucose solution for injection (Sodium chloride 0.18% w/v and Glucose 4% w/v) Lactated Ringer's solution for injection (Ringer Lactate solution and 5% Glucose solution). Oxycodone hydrochloride, that was used undiluted or diluted to 1 mg/ml in various studies with different infusion solutions and under the use of representative brands of polypropylene or
polycarbonate syringes, polyethylene or PVC tubing and PVC or EVA infusion bags, does not have to be protected against light. Shelf-life 5 years. After dilution: Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 48 hours/days at room temperature. From a microbiological point of view, the product should be used immediately. If not used immediately, in-use storage times and conditions prior to are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at 2 to 8 °C, unless reconstitution, dilution has taken place in controlled and validated aseptic conditions.
Oxycodone Hydrochloride 10mg/ml Solution for Injection/Infusion comes as injection containing 10mg/ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Oxycodone Hydrochloride 10mg/ml Solution for Injection/Infusion is oxycodone hydrochloride.
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: OxyNorm 10 mg/ml solution for injection or infusion, Shortec 10 mg/ml, solution for injection or infusion, Oxycodone Hydrochloride 10 mg/ml Solution for Injection or Infusion. In total there are 5 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Oxycodone Hydrochloride 10mg/ml Solution for Injection/Infusion, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma is indicated in adults and adolescents (from 12 years and older) for the treatment of severe pain, which can be adequately managed only with opioid analgesics.
Posology
The dosage depends on the pain intensity, the total condition of the patient, previous or concurrent medication, and the patient's individual susceptibility to the treatment.
The following general dosage recommendations apply:
The following starting doses are recommended. A gradual increase in dose may be required if analgesia is inadequate or if pain severity increases.
If an immediate release opioid formulation is used as rescue medication in addition to prolonged-release, the need for more than two ”rescues” per day could be an indication that the prolonged-release dosage requires upward titration.
Adults and adolescents (from 12 years and older)
i.v. (Bolus):
Administer a bolus dose of 1 to 10 mg slowly over 1-2 minutes to opioid-naïve patients.
Doses should not be administered more frequently than every 4 hours.
A maximum bolus dose of 5 mg is recommended in adolescents (from 12 years and older).
i.v. (Infusion):
A starting dose of 2 mg/hour is recommended in opioid-naïve patients.
i.v. (PCA):
Bolus doses of 0.03 mg/kg should be administered with a minimum lock-out time of 5 minutes to opioid-naïve patients.
s.c. (Bolus):
Use as 10 mg/ml concentration. A starting dose of 5 mg is recommended, repeated at 4-hourly intervals in opioid-naïve patients as required.
s.c. (Infusion):
A starting dose of 7.5 mg/day is recommended in opioid naïve patients, titrating gradually according to symptom control. A starting dose of 5 mg/day is recommended in adolescents (from 12 years and older), titrating gradually according to symptom control. Cancer patients transferring from oral oxycodone may require much higher doses (see below).
Transferring patients between oral and parenteral oxycodone
The dose should be based on the following ratio: 2 mg of oral oxycodone is equivalent to 1 mg of parenteral oxycodone, if only a few doses have been given. In case of shift in choice of opioid to a patient, who has been in long-term opioid-treatment (opioidrotation), it should be emphasised that the above mentioned equipotent doses are guidance only. Often it is necessary to administer less a decreased dose as equipotency recommend. Based on this and the patients interindividual variability a shift requires that the dosing is titrated carefully for every single patient.
Use in non-malignant pain
Opioids are not first-line therapy for chronic non-malignant pain, nor are they recommended as the only treatment.
Special populations
Elderly
Elderly patients should be treated with caution. The lowest dose should be administered with careful titration to pain control.
Renal or hepatic impairment
The dose initiation should follow a conservative approach in these patients. The recommended adult starting dose should be reduced by 50%, and each patient should be titrated to adequate pain control according to his/her clinical situation.
Other risk patients
In patients with low body weight or slow metabolism of drugs who are also opioid-naive, the recommended starting dose should be reduced to half the normally recommended starting dose for adults.
Paediatric population
Opioids must only be used for appropriate indications and prescribed by a specialist experienced in managing severe pain in children, with careful assessments of the benefits and risks.
Children below the age of 12 years
The safety and efficacy of oxycodone in children below 12 years of age has not yet been established. No data are available.
Method of administration
Subcutaneous injection or infusion.
Intravenous injection or infusion.
For instructions on dilution of the product before administration, see section 6.6.
Treatment goals and discontinuation
Before initiating treatment with Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma, a treatment strategy including treatment duration and treatment goals, and a plan for end of the treatment, should be agreed together with the patient, in accordance with pain management guidelines. During treatment, there should be frequent contact between the physician and the patient to evaluate the need for continued treatment, consider discontinuation and to adjust dosages if needed. When a patient no longer requires therapy with oxycodone, it may be advisable to taper the dose gradually to prevent symptoms of withdrawal. In absence of adequate pain control, the possibility of hyperalgesia, tolerance and progression of underlying disease should be considered (see section 4.4).
Duration of treatment
Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma should not be used longer than necessary.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Oxycodone must not be used in any situation where opioids are contraindicated:
- severe respiratory depression with hypoxia and/or hypercapnia
- elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood
- severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- cor pulmonale
- severe bronchial asthma
- paralytic ileus
Caution should be exercised in
- elderly or debilitated patients
- patients with severe impairment of lung, liver or kidney function
- central sleep apnoea
- myxoedema, hypothyroidism
- concomitant use of centrally depressant substances
- Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency)
- intoxication psychosis (e.g. alcohol)
- prostatic hypertrophy
- alcoholism, known opioid dependence
- drug addiction, substance or alcohol abuse
- delirium tremens
- pancreatitis
- diseases of the biliary tract, biliary or ureteric colic
- obstructive or inflammatory intestinal diseases,
- conditions with increased brain pressure (including head injuries)
- disturbances of circulatory regulation (including hypotension, hypovolaemia)
- in patients taking MAO inhibitors
Opioids, such as oxycodone hydrochloride, may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal or -gonadal axes. Some changes that can be seen include an increase in serum prolactin and decreases in plasma cortisol and testosterone. Clinical symptoms may manifest from these hormonal changes.
Oxycodone should not be used where there is a possibility of paralytic ileus occurring. Should paralytic ileus be suspected or occur during use, Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma 10 mg/ml solution for injection/infusion should be discontinued immediately.
Perioperative use, abdominal surgery
Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma 10 mg/ml solution for injection/infusion should be used with caution pre- or intra-operatively and within the first 12-24 hours post-operatively. Depending on the type and extent of surgery, the anaesthetic procedure selected, other co-medication and the individual condition of the patient, the exact timing for initiating post-operative treatment with oxycodone depends on a careful risk-benefit assessment for each individual patient.
As with all opioid preparations, oxycodone products should be used with caution following abdominal surgery as opioids are known to impair intestinal motility and should not be used until the physician is assured of normal bowel function.
For appropriate patients who suffer with chronic non-malignant pain, opioids should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment programme involving other medications and treatment modalities. A crucial part of the assessment of a patient with chronic non-malignant pain is the patient's addiction and substance abuse history.
If opioid treatment is considered appropriate for the patient, then the main aim of treatment is not to minimise the dose of opioid but rather to achieve a dose which provides adequate pain relief with a minimum of side effects.
Respiratory depression
The major risk of opioid excess is respiratory depression. Caution must be exercised when administering oxycodone to the debilitated elderly; patients with severely impaired pulmonary function, impaired hepatic or renal function; patients with myxoedema, hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, toxic psychosis, prostate hypertrophy, adrenocortical insufficiency, alcoholism, delirium tremens, diseases of the biliary tract, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disorders, hypotension, hypovolaemia, head injury (due to risk of increased intracranial pressure) or patients taking MAO inhibitors.
Sleep-related breathing disorders
Opioids can cause sleep-related breathing disorders including central sleep apnoea (CSA) and sleep-related hypoxemia. Opioid use increases the risk of CSA in a dose-dependent fashion. In patients who present with CSA, consider decreasing the total opioid dosage.
Risk from concomitant use of sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs
Concomitant use of Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma and sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs may result in sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Because of these risks, concomitant prescribing with these sedative medicines should be reserved for patients for whom alternative treatment options are not possible. If a decision is made to prescribe Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma concomitantly with sedative medicines, the lowest effective dose should be used, and the duration of treatment should be as short as possible.
The patients should be followed closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. In this respect, it is strongly recommended to inform patients and their caregivers to be aware of these symptoms (see section 4.5).
Adrenal insufficiency
Opioids, such as oxycodone hydrochloride, may occasionally cause reversible adrenal insufficiency, with some hormonal changes including increases in serum prolactin, and decreases in plasma cortisol and testosterone. Clinical symptoms may include e.g. severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, low blood pressure, extreme fatigue, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Adrenal insufficiency may require monitoring and glucocorticoid replacement therapy.
MAO-inhibitors
Oxycodone should be used with caution in patients administered MAO-inhibitors or who have received MAO-inhibitors during the last two weeks (see section 4.5).
Tolerance, physical dependence and tapering off
The patient may develop tolerance to the medicinal product with chronic use and require progressively higher doses to maintain pain control.
Prolonged use of oxycodone may lead to physical dependence and a withdrawal syndrome may occur upon abrupt cessation of therapy. When a patient no longer requires therapy with oxycodone, it may be advisable to taper the dose gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms. The opioid abstinence or withdrawal syndrome is characterised by some or all of the following: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhoea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, mydriasis and palpitations. Other symptoms also may develop, including irritability, anxiety, backache, joint pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea, or increased blood pressure, respiratory rate or heart rate.
Hyperalgesia
Hyperalgesia that will not respond to a further dose increase of oxycodone may very rarely occur, particularly in high doses. An oxycodone dose reduction or change to an alternative opioid may be required.
Opioid Use Disorder (abuse and dependence)
Tolerance and physical and/or psychological dependence may develop upon repeated administration of opioids such as oxycodone.
Repeated use of Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma 10 mg/ml solution for injection/infusion may lead to Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). A higher dose and longer duration of opioid treatment can increase the risk of developing OUD. Abuse or intentional misuse of Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma 10 mg/ml solution for injection/infusion may result in overdose and/or death. The risk of developing OUD is increased in patients with a personal or a family history (parents or siblings) of substance use disorders (including alcohol use disorder), in current tobacco users or in patients with a personal history of other mental health disorders (e.g. major depression, anxiety and personality disorders).
Before initiating treatment with Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma and during the treatment, treatment goals and a discontinuation plan should be agreed with the patient (see section 4.2). Before and during treatment the patient should also be informed about the risks and signs of OUD. If these signs occur, patients should be advised to contact their physician.
Patients will require monitoring for signs of drug-seeking behavior (e.g. too early requests for refills). This includes the review of concomitant opioids and psycho-active drugs (like benzodiazepines). For patients with signs and symptoms of OUD, consultation with an addiction specialist should be considered.
As with other opioids, infants who are born to dependent mothers may exhibit withdrawal symptoms and may have respiratory depression at birth (see section 4.6).
Hepatobiliary disorders
Oxycodone may cause dysfunction and spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, thus raising intrabiliary pressure and increasing the risk of biliary tract symptoms and pancreatitis. Therefore, oxycodone has to be administered with caution in patients with pancreatitis and diseases of the biliary tract.
Parenteral abuse
Abuse of oral dosage forms by parenteral administration can result in serious adverse events, which may be fatal.
Alcohol
The intake of oxycodone hydrochloride with alcoholic beverages has to be avoided as alcohol may enhace the frequency of adverse reactions. Oxycodone hydrochloride should be used with particular care in patients with a history of alcohol and drug abuse.
Sodium chloride
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per ampoule, i.e. essentially 'sodium-free'.
Alcohol
Alcohol may enhance the pharmacodynamic effects of Oxycodone hydrochloride G.L. Pharma, concomitant use should be avoided.
Centrally depressant drugs
There can be an enhanced CNS depressant effect during concomitant therapy with drugs which affect the CNS such as sedatives, hypnotics, phenothiazines, neuroleptic drugs, antidepressants, antihistamines, antiemetics and other opioids which may enhance the adverse drug reactions, especially respiratory depression
Concomitant administration of oxycodone with serotonin agents, such as a Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor (SSRI) or a Serotonin Norepinephrine Re-uptake Inhibitor (SNRI) may cause serotonin toxicity. The symptoms of serotoin toxicity may include mental-status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular abnormalities (e.g., hyperreflexia, incoordination, rigidity), and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea). Oxycodone should be used with caution and the dosage may need to be reduced in patients using these medications.
Sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs
The concomitant use of opioids with sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs increases the risk of sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death because of additive CNS depressant effect. The dose and duration of concomitant use should be limited (see section 4.4).
Anticholinergics (e.g. antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, antiemetics, muscle relaxants, antiparkinson medicines) can enhance the anticholinergic undesirable effects of oxycodone (such as constipation, dry mouth or micturition disorders).
Monoaminoxidase (MAO) inhibitors are known to interact with narcotic analgesics, producing CNS excitation or depression with hyper- or hypotensive crisis. Oxycodone should be used with caution in patients administered MAO-inhibitors or who have received MAO-inhibitors during the last two weeks (see section 4.4).
Clinically relevant changes in International Normalized Ratio (INR) in both directions have been observed in individuals if coumarin anticoagulants are co-applied with oxycodone.
Interactions via the CYP system
Oxycodone is metabolised mainly by CYP3A4, with a contribution from CYP2D6. The activities of these metabolic pathways may be inhibited or induced by various co-administered drugs or dietary elements.
CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as macrolide antibiotics (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin and telithromycin), azole-type antifungals (e.g. ketoconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, and posaconazole), protease inhibitors (e.g. boceprevir, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir and saquinavir), cimetidine and grapefruit juice may reduce the clearance of oxycodone which could result in an increase of oxycodone plasma concentrations. Therefore the oxycodone dose may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Some specific examples are provided below:
- Itraconazole, a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, administered as 200 mg orally for five days, increased the AUC of oral oxycodone. On average, the AUC was approximately 2.4 times higher (range 1.5-3.4).
- Voriconazole, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, administered as 200 mg twice-daily for four days (400 mg given as first two doses), increased the AUC of oral oxycodone. On average, the AUC was approximately 3.6 times higher (range 2.7-5.6).
- Telithromycin, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, administered as 800 mg orally for four days, increased the AUC of oral oxycodone. On average, the AUC was approximately 1.8 times higher (range 1.3-2.3).
- Grapefruit juice, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, administered as 200 ml three times a day for five days, increased the AUC of oral oxycodone. On average, the AUC was approximately 1.7 times higher (range 1.1-2.1).
CYP3A4 inducers, such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and St. John's Wort may induce the metabolism of oxycodone and cause an increased clearance of oxycodone which could result in a reduction of oxycodone plasma concentrations. The oxycodone dose may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Some specific examples are provided below:
- St. John's Wort, a CYP3A4 inducer, administered as 300 mg three times a day for fifteen days, reduced the AUC of oral oxycodone. On average, the AUC was approximately 50% lower (range 37-57%).
- Rifampicin, a CYP3A4 inducer, administered as 600 mg once daily for seven days, reduced the AUC of oral oxycodone. On average, the AUC was approximately 86% lower.
Drugs that inhibit CYP2D6 activity, such as paroxetine and quinidine, may cause decreased clearance of oxycodone which could lead to an increase in oxycodone plasma concentrations.
Use of this medicinal product should be avoided to the extent possible in patients who are pregnant or lactating.
Pregnancy
There are limited data from the use of oxycodone in pregnant women. Infants born to mothers who have received opioids during the last 3 to 4 weeks before giving birth should be monitored for respiratory depression. Withdrawal symptoms may be observed in the newborns of mothers undergoing treatment with oxycodone.
Breast-feeding
Oxycodone may be secreted in breast milk and may cause respiratory depression in the newborn. Oxycodone should, therefore, not be used in breastfeeding mothers.
This medicine can impair cognitive function and can affect a patient's ability to drive safely. This class of medicine is in the list of drugs included in regulations under 5a of the Road Traffic Act 1988. When prescribing this medicine, patients should be told:
- The medicine is likely to affect your ability to drive.
- Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you.
- It is an offence to drive while under the influence of this medicine.
- However, you would not be committing an offence (called 'statutory defence') if:
• The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem and
• You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber and in the information provided with the medicine and
• It was not affecting your ability to drive safely
Oxycodone can cause respiratory depression, miosis, bronchial spasms and spasms of the smooth muscles and can suppress the cough reflex.
The most frequently reported undesirable effects are nausea (especially at the beginning of treatment) and constipation.
Respiratory depression is the chief hazard of an opioid overdose and occurs predominantly in elderly or debilitated patients.
The adverse reactions considered at least possibly related to treatment are listed below by system organ class and absolute frequency. Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
Very common
Common
Rare
Uncommon
Very rare
Not known
≥ 1/10
≥ 1/100 to < 1/10
≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100
≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000
< 1/10,000
cannot be estimated from the available data
System organ class
Frequency
Adverse event
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
rare
Lymphadenopathy
Immune system disorders
uncommon
Hypersensitivity
not known
Anaphylactic responses
Endocrine disorders
uncommon
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
common
Decreased appetite
uncommon
Dehydration
Psychiatric disorders
common
Anxiety
Confusional state
Depression
Insomnia
Nervousness
Abnormal thinking
uncommon
Agitation
Affect lability
Euphoric mood
Hallucinations
Decreased libido
Drug dependence (see section 4.4)
not known
Aggression
Nervous system disorders
very common
Somnolence
Dizziness
Headache
common
Tremor
uncommon
Amnesia
Convulsion
Hypertonia
Hypoaesthesia
Involuntary muscle contractions
Speech disorder
Syncope
Paraesthesia
Dysgeusia
rare
Seizures, particularly in epileptic patients or patients with tendency to convulsions
Muscle spasm
not known
Hyperalgesia
Eye disorders
uncommon
Visual impairment
Miosis
Cardiac disorders
common
Lowering of blood pressure, rarely accompanied by secondary symptoms such as palpitations, syncope, bronchospasm
uncommon
Palpitation (in the context of withdrawal syndrome)
Supraventricular tachycardia
Vascular disorders
uncommon
Vasodilatation
rare
Hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
common
Dyspnoea
uncommon
Respiratory depression
Increased coughing
Pharyngitis
Rhinitis
Voice changes
not known
Central sleep apnoea syndrome
Gastrointestinal disorders
very common
Constipation
Nausea
Vomiting
common
Dry mouth, rarely accompanied by thirst and difficulty swallowing
Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea
Dyspepsia
uncommon
Dysphagia
Oral ulcers
Gingivitis
Stomatitis
Flatulence
Eructation
Ileus
rare
Gingival bleeding
Increased appetite
Tarry stool
not known
Dental caries
Hepatobiliary disorders
uncommon
Increase hepatic enzymes
not known
Cholestasis
Biliary colic
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
very common
Pruritus
common
Rash
Hyperhidrosis
uncommon
Dry skin
rare
Urticaria
Manifestations of herpes simplex
Increased photosensitivity
very rare
Exfoliative dermatitis
Renal and urinary disorders
uncommon
Micturition disturbances (urinary retention, but also increased urge to urinate)
rare
Haematuria
Reproductive system and breast disorders
uncommon
Reduced libido
Erectile dysfunction
not known
Amenorrhoea
General disorders and administration site conditions
common
Sweating
Asthenic conditions
uncommon
Chills
Malaise
Accidental injuries
Pain (e.g. chest pain)
Oedema, peripheral oedema
Migraine
Physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms
Drug tolerance
Thirst
rare
Weight changes (increase or decrease)
Cellulitis
not known
Drug withdrawal syndrome neonatal
Description of selected adverse reactions
Drug dependence
Repeated use of Oxycodone Hydrochloride G.L. Pharma can lead to drug dependence, even at therapeutic doses. The risk of drug dependence may vary depending on a patient's individual risk factors, dosage, and duration of opioid treatment (see section 4.4).
Paediatric population
The frequency, type and severity of adverse reactions in adolescents (12 to 18 years of age) appear similar to those in adults (see section 5.1).
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme, Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard, or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Symptoms
Acute overdose with oxycodone can be manifested by miosis, respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, reduced skeletal muscle tone and drop in blood pressure. In severe cases circulatory collapse, bradycardia and non-cardiogenic lung oedema may occur; abuse of high doses of strong opioids such as oxycodone can be fatal. Toxic leukoencephalopathy has been observed with oxycodone overdose.
Management
Primary attention should be given to the establishment of a patent airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation.
In case of severe overdose, intravenous administration of an opioid antagonist (e.g. 0.4-2 mg intravenous naloxone) may be indicated. Administration of single doses must be repeated depending on the clinical situation at intervals of 2 to 3 minutes. Intravenous infusion of 2 mg of naloxone in 500 ml isotonic saline or 5% dextrose solution (corresponding to 0.004 mg naloxone/ml) is possible. The rate of infusion should be adjusted to the previous bolus injections and the response of the patient.
For less severe overdosage, administer naloxone 0.2 mg intravenously followed by increments of 0.1 mg every 2 minutes, if required.
Supportive measures (artificial respiration, oxygen supply, administration of vasopressors and infusion therapy) should, if necessary, be applied in the treatment of accompanying circulatory shock. Upon cardiac arrest or cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac massage or defibrillation may be indicated. If necessary, assisted ventilation as well as maintenance of water and electrolyte balance.
Ask anything about Oxycodone Hydrochloride 10mg/ml Solution for Injection/Infusion. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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