Is it medically safe to take the pain medication Oxycodone HCL & Acetaminophen over a long period?

Question

I am awaiting knee cap replacement and am avg height and weight and 41yrs old

Answer 1

I have to agree with the fact that we need to know if you are speaking of Oxycodone HCl not extended release (meaning it is not combined w/acetaminophen already as in oxycontin or combined w/ibuprofen as in combunox) or if you are indeed taking Oxycontin (which is more than likely over the Combunox-which was recently approved by the FDA). If you are taking Oxycontin, then you should not be taking ANYTHING with acetaminophen in it without speaking with your pharmacist or doctor that is aware of your dosing regimen or pain management therapy. Since Oxycontin already has "Tylenol" in it, if you proceed to take OTC Tylenol as well, you may very well overdose and not realize it causing severe liver damage over time. Many people are on opiods for irrtractable pain for continuous periods of time, as long as you are aware of the side effects, and you feel you are better off with them, then you should be fine. Just as long as you are under a qualified pain management physician. They will go over with you how to come off of the medication so that you do not stop it abruptly (in 99% of the cases I have seen, people have had severe withdrawal issues due to stopping without a decreasing dose in narcotic pain medications). In the pharmacy world though, professionally, we don't see it used over a 6 month period. By then, the patient is moved on to a different medication for "maintenance drug therapy"

Answer 2

Any medication will result in harm to some and such problems may occur after short term or long term use. In general the long term use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) of 1.6 grams daily or less is thought safe and up to 4 grams daily is likely to be safe most of the time. Oxycodone is more difficult to assess and the benefit of use must be weighed against risk both long and short term. It would not be appropriate for instance in my opinion to treat someone with only acetaminophen and oxycodone as there are other medications for chronic pain which limit and minimize the dose of oxycodone. You must also bear in mind that use of oxycodone for several weeks or longer likely will habituate (addict) you to the drug which may be OK if your pain will never improve although over time the dose must be continually increased and at some point it is likely to no longer be beneficial. I would seriously question whether someone awaiting even both knees replaced would end up on oxycodone and certainly you should not be on this if you were not on a long list of other medications first and failed. I would also wonder why you are awaiting knee replacement as this is so routinely done that I know of no reason to delay it as I have had patients as heavy as 400 pounds (not your circumstance) who underwent replacement of both knees without difficulty. Finally remember that if you have been on oxycodone for a period of time you must be gradually withdrawn from it. I wish you the very best of luck.

Answer 3

First of all, I think some more questions need to be clarified! Oxycodone HCL? I don't think you have that right, do you mean Oxycodone sustained released like generic Oxycontin? then Tylenol with it? Secondly, what is a long period of time to you? weeks, months, years or decades? all are acceptable answers. Don't be swayed by this Dr. Russo character as he has yet to identify his credentials or experience, his specialty or nature of his research. If you consider months a long period of time and you meant oxycodone sustained released then yes it is perfectly safe. I have worked in Pain Management for the last 13 years. Narcotics(opiods) are chemically, one of the safest drugs made. few side effects, little addiction with proper management and they are dirt cheap. unfortunately not enough health care professionals are not trained or are fearful of the government or the paperwork to get properly educated in the use of these very effective medicines.

Answer 4

I've been taking it for just over a year following 2 foot surgeries, 1 on each foot. Like Kim, I only take it when I'm approaching the "can't handle this any more" pain level. As long as you treat it right, you'll be fine. A good friend had two total knee replacements and with each one, she was on this same combination. She gradually weaned herself off taking it regularly, but still has them around for those times when nothing else helps.

Good luck with your surgery. Do your therapy, keep your weight down and walk.

Answer 5

I broke my back 2 yrs. ago and I'm still on it, but the same dosage. If I'm in pain I take it. If not, I leave it alone. Lots of luck on your surgery, hope all turns out well and take it slow. I'm an old fart, too, I know. Merry Christmas!

Answer 6

no, you do not want to take it for over 3 weeks. It is a narcotic and can be addictive. Also, If you take it too often, you will gain a tolerance and it will not be very effective when you really need it.

It can cause stomach irritation and liver failure if taken too much.