WHAT OXYCODONE SANDOZ IS USED FOR
This medicine is used to relieve moderate to severe persistent pain when other forms of treatment have not been effective.
It contains the active ingredient oxycodone hydrochloride.
Oxycodone hydrochloride belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics.
Opioid analgesics such as oxycodone hydrochloride have been used to treat pain for many years. As with all strong painkillers, your body may become used to you taking Oxycodone Sandoz tablets. Taking it may result in physical dependence. Physical dependence means that you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking oxycodone suddenly, so it is important to take it exactly as directed by your doctor.
There is not enough information to recommend the use of this medicine for children under the age of 12 years.

BEFORE YOU TAKE OXYCODONE SANDOZ
Long-term use of oxycodone tablets may result in a decrease in sex hormone levels which may affect sperm production in men and the menstrual cycles in females. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

When you must not take it

Do not take this medicine if you have an allergy to:
��� oxycodone hydrochloride, or to any of the other ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet under Product Description
��� any other similar medicines known as opioid analgesics, e.g. morphine or codeine.

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
��� shortness of breath
��� wheezing or difficulty breathing
��� swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
��� rash, itching or hives on the skin.

Do not take this medicine if:
��� you are taking a medicine for depression called monoamine oxidase inhibitor, or you have taken any in the last two weeks
��� you have just drunk a large amount of alcohol, regularly drink large amounts of alcohol or have confusion and shaking due to stopping drinking alcohol
��� you are about to have an operation including surgery on your spine for pain relief in the next 24 hours or have had an operation within the last 24 hours
��� you have been given the 80mg strength and have not used any opioid medicine before.

Oxycodone Sandoz contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have intolerance to some sugars, tell your doctor before taking it.
How to take it
Swallow Oxycodone Sandoz tablets whole with a full glass of water or other fluid.
Do not break, chew, crush or dissolve the tablets. This medicine was designed to work properly only if swallowed whole. They may release all their contents at once if broken, chewed, crushed or dissolved, resulting in a risk of overdose or even death.
This medicine should be taken every twelve hours.
How long to take Oxycodone Sandoz
Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor recommends.
If you stop taking this medicine suddenly, your pain may worsen and you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:
��� body aches
��� loss of appetite, nausea, stomach cramps or diarrhoea
��� fast heart rate
��� sneezing or runny nose
��� chills, tremors, shivering or fever
��� trouble sleeping
��� increased sweating and yawning
��� weakness
��� nervousness or restlessness.