Laura asked
I have taken oxycodone 10mg every 4 hours as needed for pain but my dr has prescribed me Xtampza 9mg 2 times daily. I didn’t realize that’s what he was going to give me. He told me oxycodone so when I got home I saw this name and have never taken it before. I am nervous to take it and have dr. office but they haven’t called me pain and I am In pain. I have never heard of this med and wonder if it’s safe to take and should I be worried about taking it just would like to know how safe it is and if I should just take it or wait to hear from dr.
Answer
Xtampza is extended release oxycodone capsules. While immediate release oxycodone generally has a duration of action of around 4 to 6 hours, Xtampza has a duration of action of around 12 hours. Each Xtampza capsule contains 9 mg of oxycodone, although the 9 mg dose of Xtampza dose is considered equivalent 10 mg of oxycodone HCL.
It is not uncommon for individuals to be prescribed more than one capsule at a time. Per the prescribing information, the maximum recommended dose of Xtampza is 288 mg, or 32 capsules per day. Single doses are typically one to four capsules.
Unlike immediate release oxycodone products, Xtampza must be taken with food. In fact, it is recommended to take the same amount of food with Xtampza for every dose in order to ensure consistent blood levels of the drug.
Other unique characteristics of Xtampza include:
- Contains DETERx® technology, which results in lower blood levels of oxycodone if abused.
- Xtampza capsules can be opened and sprinkled onto food.
