Warning: Addiction, Abuse And Misuse; Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression; Accidental Ingestion; Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome; Cytochrome P450 3A4 Interaction; And Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other Cns Depressants
Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse
OXYCONTIN® exposes patients and other users to the risks of
opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and
death. Assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing OXYCONTIN
and monitor all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors
and conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression
Serious,
life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use
of OXYCONTIN. Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during
initiation of OXYCONTIN or following a dose increase. Instruct patients
to swallow OXYCONTIN tablets whole; crushing, chewing, or dissolving
OXYCONTIN tablets can cause rapid release and absorption of a potentially
fatal dose of oxycodone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Accidental Ingestion
Accidental ingestion
of even one dose of OXYCONTIN, especially by children, can result
in a fatal overdose of oxycodone [see Warnings and Precautions
(5.2)].
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
Prolonged use of OXYCONTIN during pregnancy can result in neonatal
opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized
and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed
by neonatology experts. If opioid use is required for a prolonged
period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal
opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will
be available [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Cytochrome P450 3A4 Interaction
The concomitant
use of OXYCONTIN with all cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors may result
in an increase in oxycodone plasma concentrations, which could increase
or prolong adverse drug effects and may cause potentially fatal respiratory
depression. In addition, discontinuation of a concomitantly used cytochrome
P450 3A4 inducer may result in an increase in oxycodone plasma concentration.
Monitor patients receiving OXYCONTIN and any CYP3A4 inhibitor or inducer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4), Drug Interactions (7), Clinical
Pharmacology (12.3)].
Risks From Concomitant Use
With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants
Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central
nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in
profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Drug Interactions (7)].
- Reserve concomitant prescribing of OXYCONTIN and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.
- Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required.
- Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.