Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden 5 mg
Extended-release opioid analgesic for severe pain requiring around-the-clock treatment
Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden is a 5 mg extended-release (depot) tablet containing the strong opioid analgesic oxycodone hydrochloride. It is prescribed for the treatment of severe pain that can only be adequately managed with opioid medications and requires around-the-clock therapy, such as chronic cancer pain or severe post-operative pain. The depot formulation is designed to release oxycodone gradually over approximately 12 hours, providing sustained pain relief with twice-daily dosing. Because of its high potential for addiction, dependence, and life-threatening respiratory depression, it is available by prescription only and is classified as a controlled substance.
Quick Facts
Key Takeaways
- Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden 5 mg is a prescription-only, extended-release opioid analgesic for severe pain that requires continuous, around-the-clock opioid therapy.
- The depot tablet is designed for 12-hour release — it must be swallowed whole and must never be crushed, chewed, or broken, as this can release a fatal dose at once.
- It carries a significant risk of addiction, dependence, and tolerance. Treatment should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration.
- Combining with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants can cause fatal respiratory depression and must be strictly avoided.
- Never stop the medication abruptly; the dose must be tapered gradually under medical supervision to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
What Is Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden and What Is It Used For?
Quick Answer: Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden is a 5 mg extended-release tablet containing oxycodone hydrochloride, a strong opioid analgesic. It is indicated for severe pain that requires around-the-clock opioid therapy and cannot be adequately relieved by other medications, particularly chronic cancer pain and selected chronic non-cancer pain in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.
Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden belongs to the class of medicines known as strong opioid analgesics, more specifically to the subgroup of natural opium alkaloids. The product contains oxycodone hydrochloride as the active substance, formulated as a depot (extended-release) tablet that is designed to release the active ingredient gradually over approximately 12 hours. This sustained-release profile makes the medicine particularly suitable for the continuous management of severe, persistent pain where steady blood levels of an analgesic are required.
The medicine works by binding to specific receptors, known as mu-opioid receptors, which are found throughout the central nervous system in the brain and spinal cord. By activating these receptors, oxycodone inhibits the transmission of pain signals along ascending pain pathways, changes the way the brain perceives pain, and dampens the emotional response to painful stimuli. The result is potent analgesia suitable for pain that does not respond to weaker painkillers such as paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or weak opioids.
Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden is indicated for the treatment of severe pain in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older when other analgesics are insufficient. Typical clinical uses include chronic cancer-related pain where a steady, reliable opioid effect is needed; severe post-surgical pain requiring continuous control over several days; and selected cases of chronic non-cancer pain (for example, severe neuropathic pain or advanced osteoarthritis) when non-opioid therapies have failed and the benefits of opioid treatment outweigh the risks. In all cases, opioid therapy should form part of a comprehensive pain management plan.
Because of its high potency and long duration of action, Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden is a controlled substance regulated under the international conventions on narcotic drugs. In the United States it corresponds to a Schedule II controlled substance, in the United Kingdom it is listed under Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations, and in Sweden and other European countries it is classified as a narcotic medicinal product (narkotikaklassat läkemedel). This regulatory status means prescriptions are subject to additional requirements such as special prescription forms, limited quantities per dispensing, and enhanced record-keeping in pharmacies.
The depot formulation should not be confused with immediate-release oxycodone. Immediate-release oxycodone takes effect within 20–30 minutes and is used for breakthrough pain or short-term acute pain, whereas the depot tablet is designed for background pain control taken twice daily at fixed intervals. Patients who experience breakthrough pain while taking Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden may be prescribed a separate immediate-release opioid for these episodes rather than adjusting the depot dose on a dose-by-dose basis.
What Should You Know Before Taking Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden?
Quick Answer: Before starting Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden, your doctor must review your full medical history, especially any breathing problems, liver or kidney disease, history of substance misuse, or pregnancy status. The medicine is contraindicated in severe respiratory depression, severe bronchial asthma, paralytic ileus, and known hypersensitivity to oxycodone. Many conditions require caution or dose adjustment.
Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden is a potent medicine with a narrow therapeutic window, meaning that the difference between an effective dose and a dangerous dose can be small — particularly in opioid-naive patients or in people with certain underlying conditions. A thorough pre-treatment assessment is essential, and you should disclose your complete medical, surgical, and medication history to the prescriber, including over-the-counter products, herbal supplements, recreational substances, and any history of alcohol misuse.
Contraindications
You must not take Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden if any of the following apply:
- Hypersensitivity to oxycodone hydrochloride, to any of the other ingredients in the tablet, or to other opioids.
- Severe respiratory depression with low blood oxygen (hypoxia) and/or raised carbon dioxide (hypercapnia).
- Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with marked airway narrowing.
- Cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure caused by chronic lung disease).
- Severe bronchial asthma in settings without appropriate monitoring and resuscitation equipment.
- Paralytic ileus (non-mechanical bowel obstruction in which intestinal muscles are not contracting).
- Acute abdomen or delayed gastric emptying conditions where opioid-induced symptoms might obscure diagnosis.
- Moderate to severe hepatic impairment in the depot formulation, because metabolism and clearance are markedly altered.
Warnings and Precautions
Talk to your doctor before taking Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden if any of the following conditions apply to you:
- You are elderly or debilitated — sensitivity to opioid-induced respiratory depression and confusion is increased.
- You have moderate pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnea, or any condition that impairs breathing.
- You have impaired kidney or liver function, which can alter the metabolism and excretion of oxycodone.
- You have thyroid disease such as hypothyroidism or myxedema, adrenal insufficiency (including Addison's disease), or diabetes (due to increased risk of hypoglycemia).
- You have a history of mental illness, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, or personality disorders.
- You have a current or past history of alcohol, opioid, or other substance use disorder, as the risk of misuse is significantly increased.
- You have an enlarged prostate (prostatic hypertrophy) or urethral stricture, which can cause urinary retention.
- You have pancreatitis, gallstones, or disease of the biliary tract — opioids can raise pressure in the biliary tree.
- You have inflammatory bowel disease, chronic constipation, or any condition causing bowel obstruction.
- You have raised intracranial pressure, a head injury, or impaired consciousness — opioids can worsen these conditions.
- You have epilepsy or a lowered seizure threshold.
- You have low blood pressure (hypotension), reduced blood volume (hypovolemia), or circulatory shock.
- You are taking, or have recently taken, a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor — at least 14 days must elapse between MAO inhibitor use and oxycodone.
- You have recently had surgery on the bowel or abdomen.
Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden contains a strong opioid that carries a serious risk of addiction (opioid use disorder), even when used as prescribed. Repeated use leads to physical dependence and tolerance. Risk factors include personal or family history of substance misuse, smoking, and pre-existing mental health conditions. If you notice that you need the medicine for longer than prescribed, need higher doses for the same effect, use it for reasons other than pain relief, or feel unwell when you stop taking it, contact your prescriber immediately. Opioid use disorder is a treatable medical condition; early recognition and support dramatically improve outcomes.
The most dangerous adverse effect of any strong opioid is respiratory depression: abnormally slow, shallow, or pauses in breathing that can lead to oxygen deprivation, brain injury, and death. The risk is highest at the start of treatment, after dose increases, in elderly or debilitated patients, and in those with existing respiratory disease. Oxycodone can also cause sleep-related breathing disorders, including central sleep apnea and sleep-related hypoxemia. Naloxone should be available for patients at increased risk, and both patients and household members should be counseled on overdose recognition and emergency response.
The depot mechanism of Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden 5 mg depends on the physical integrity of the tablet. Crushing, chewing, splitting, or dissolving the tablet destroys the extended-release system and can release the entire 5 mg dose over minutes rather than 12 hours. In opioid-naive individuals this can cause a rapid, potentially fatal overdose. Intentional misuse by injecting dissolved tablet material or snorting crushed tablets is associated with severe, sometimes fatal, complications including tissue necrosis, lung granulomas, endocarditis, and infections.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding, tell your doctor before using Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden.
Pregnancy: Use during pregnancy should be avoided whenever possible. There are limited data on the safety of oxycodone in pregnancy. Oxycodone crosses the placenta, and prolonged use may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) in the newborn, which can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Signs of NOWS include irritability, hyperactivity, abnormal sleep patterns, high-pitched crying, tremors, feeding difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea, and poor weight gain. Use of oxycodone in the weeks immediately before delivery carries a risk of respiratory depression in the newborn.
Breastfeeding: Oxycodone passes into breast milk and can cause drowsiness and respiratory depression in the nursing infant. Breastfeeding is therefore not recommended during treatment with Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden. If ongoing analgesia is medically essential, breastfeeding should be discontinued for the duration of therapy, and alternative feeding arrangements should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden can impair your ability to drive and to operate machinery or perform skilled tasks. Impairment is most pronounced at the start of treatment, after dose increases, or when combined with other medicines that depress the central nervous system. During stable long-term therapy, your doctor will assess on an individual basis whether you may drive. Do not drive, cycle, or operate machinery if you feel drowsy, dizzy, confused, or if your reactions are slowed. In many jurisdictions, driving while impaired by opioid medication is a criminal offence.
Use in Children Under 12 Years
The safety and efficacy of Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden have not been established in children under 12 years of age. Use in this age group is therefore not recommended.
Doping Considerations
Oxycodone is classified as a prohibited substance in many professional and international sports. Athletes subject to drug testing should inform their governing body and their doctor before using any opioid analgesic and should check the current WADA Prohibited List.
How Does Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden Interact with Other Drugs?
Quick Answer: Oxycodone has numerous drug interactions. The most dangerous are with benzodiazepines, other CNS depressants, alcohol, and MAO inhibitors — all of which can cause fatal respiratory depression. CYP3A4 inhibitors increase oxycodone levels, CYP3A4 inducers reduce effectiveness, and serotonergic drugs raise the risk of serotonin syndrome. Always give your prescriber a complete list of all medicines, supplements, and recreational substances you use.
Oxycodone is metabolized mainly in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP3A4 and, to a lesser extent, CYP2D6. Medicines that inhibit these enzymes can substantially raise oxycodone plasma levels and the risk of respiratory depression, while enzyme inducers can lower plasma levels and reduce analgesic efficacy. Additionally, any drug that depresses the central nervous system can add to the sedative and respiratory effects of oxycodone, sometimes with fatal consequences.
Concurrent use of Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden with benzodiazepines (diazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam), Z-drugs (zopiclone, zolpidem), other opioids, barbiturates, sedating antihistamines, or alcohol markedly increases the risk of profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. If co-prescription of an opioid and a benzodiazepine is unavoidable, both should be given at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, and the patient and family should be counseled on the risk of overdose. Having naloxone immediately available is strongly recommended in these situations.
Major Interactions
| Drug / Drug Class | Effect | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Benzodiazepines (diazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam) | Additive CNS and respiratory depression | Life-threatening. Avoid combination when possible; otherwise use the lowest effective doses of both, for the shortest duration, with close monitoring and naloxone available. |
| MAO Inhibitors (tranylcypromine, phenelzine, moclobemide, selegiline, linezolid, methylene blue) | Potentially severe, unpredictable reactions including serotonin syndrome, CNS excitation, or deep respiratory depression | Contraindicated within 14 days of MAO inhibitor use. |
| Alcohol | Enhanced CNS depression; may accelerate oxycodone release from depot tablets (dose dumping) | Strictly prohibited. Can cause fatal respiratory depression and loss of consciousness. |
| CYP3A4 Inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin, erythromycin, ritonavir, grapefruit juice) | Increased oxycodone plasma levels and half-life | May prolong or intensify opioid effects including respiratory depression. Dose reduction or an alternative agent may be needed. |
| CYP3A4 Inducers (rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, St. John's wort) | Decreased oxycodone plasma levels | May reduce analgesic effect and precipitate withdrawal in dependent patients. Dose adjustment or alternative may be necessary. |
| Serotonergic drugs (SSRIs: fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, citalopram; SNRIs: venlafaxine, duloxetine; triptans; tramadol) | Risk of serotonin syndrome | May cause agitation, hyperthermia, tremor, muscle rigidity, hyperreflexia, and autonomic instability. Monitor closely; use the lowest effective doses. |
| Other opioids (morphine, fentanyl, tramadol, codeine, buprenorphine) | Additive CNS and respiratory depression; partial opioid agonists can precipitate withdrawal | Use with extreme caution; do not combine unless clinically necessary under specialist supervision. |
| Gabapentin and pregabalin | Increased risk of CNS and respiratory depression | Use lowest effective doses of both; monitor for excessive sedation. |
Other Notable Interactions
| Drug / Drug Class | Effect | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle relaxants (baclofen, tizanidine, cyclobenzaprine) | Enhanced sedation and respiratory depression | Monitor closely; dose reduction may be needed. |
| Sedating antihistamines (hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, promethazine) | Increased drowsiness and CNS depression | Prefer non-sedating antihistamines (loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine) when possible. |
| Antipsychotics (haloperidol, quetiapine, olanzapine) | Enhanced sedation and orthostatic hypotension | Monitor blood pressure and sedation level. |
| Cimetidine | May inhibit oxycodone metabolism | Monitor for increased opioid effects; consider an H2 blocker with less enzyme inhibition. |
| Coumarin anticoagulants (warfarin) | Potential changes in anticoagulant effect | Monitor INR closely when starting or stopping oxycodone. |
| Diuretics | Reduced antihypertensive effect; potential urinary retention | Monitor blood pressure and urinary symptoms. |
| Grapefruit juice | CYP3A4 inhibition may increase oxycodone levels | Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment. |
| Anticholinergic drugs (atropine, some antidepressants, bladder antispasmodics) | Increased risk of severe constipation, urinary retention, and paralytic ileus | Use with caution; ensure adequate stool and urine output monitoring. |
What Is the Correct Dosage of Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden?
Quick Answer: For opioid-naive adults, a typical starting dose of Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden is 5–10 mg every 12 hours; the 5 mg strength is especially useful for initiation, dose titration, and in elderly or fragile patients. The dose is then adjusted according to the pain response and side effects. Tablets must be swallowed whole at fixed 12-hour intervals. Never crush, chew, or break the tablet.
The dose of Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden must always be individualized by a prescriber. Factors influencing the starting dose include the severity of pain, the patient's prior opioid exposure, body weight, age, renal and hepatic function, and any concurrent CNS depressants. Before starting therapy and at each review, the doctor will discuss the treatment goal, the expected duration, a plan for dose titration, how to respond to breakthrough pain, and how the medicine will eventually be tapered and stopped.
Adults and Adolescents 12 Years and Older
Extended-Release (Depot) Tablets 5 mg
- Opioid-naive adults: Typical starting dose is one 5 mg tablet every 12 hours. A 10 mg total daily dose (5 mg twice daily) is often sufficient for mild to moderate severe pain or for initiation.
- Non-cancer pain: Effective daily doses are usually in the range of 10–40 mg/day; occasionally higher doses may be required under specialist supervision.
- Cancer pain: Considerably higher daily doses are often necessary, commonly 80–120 mg/day and sometimes up to 400 mg/day; the 5 mg strength is used for fine-tuning and for patients requiring smaller incremental dose adjustments.
- Patients switching from another opioid: Dose conversion must be based on equianalgesic tables with a built-in reduction (usually 25–50%) to account for incomplete cross-tolerance.
| Patient Group | Starting Dose | Typical Daily Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opioid-naive adults | 5 mg every 12 hours | 10–40 mg/day | Start low, titrate slowly based on response and tolerability. |
| Opioid-tolerant adults (cancer pain) | Based on prior opioid exposure | 80–120 mg/day (up to 400 mg) | Equianalgesic conversion required with dose reduction for incomplete cross-tolerance. |
| Adolescents (12+ years) | 5 mg every 12 hours | Individualized | Use only when necessary; close clinical and psychosocial monitoring. |
| Elderly patients | 5 mg every 12 hours | Individualized, lower doses preferred | Increased sensitivity to respiratory depression and confusion; start low. |
| Mild hepatic or renal impairment | Reduced starting dose (often 5 mg every 12 hours) | Individualized | Slower clearance; monitor closely for toxicity. |
| Moderate to severe hepatic impairment | Depot formulation not recommended | Consider alternative | Metabolism markedly altered; use immediate-release form under specialist supervision if an opioid is essential. |
| Low body weight | 5 mg every 12 hours | Individualized | May have increased sensitivity to opioid effects. |
How to Take the Depot Tablet
Swallow each tablet whole with approximately half a glass of water. Take the medicine at fixed intervals of about 12 hours — typically once in the morning and once in the evening at the same times each day. Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden can be taken with or without food. Once a patient is stabilized on a given dose, the timing should remain consistent to maintain steady plasma levels and avoid breakthrough pain or withdrawal symptoms between doses.
Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden tablets must be swallowed whole. Breaking, crushing, chewing, or dissolving the tablet destroys the extended-release mechanism and releases the entire dose rapidly. In opioid-naive patients, even a single 5 mg tablet taken this way can cause a potentially fatal overdose. Injecting dissolved tablet material is extremely dangerous and may cause tissue damage, systemic infection, pulmonary granulomas, and death.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but only if the next scheduled dose is at least 8 hours away. If less than 8 hours remain until your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your usual schedule. In all cases, do not take the tablets more often than every 8 hours, and never take two doses at once or a higher dose to compensate for a missed one. Doubling up significantly increases the risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
Overdose
If you or someone you know may have taken too much Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden, seek emergency medical help immediately. An opioid overdose is a medical emergency: call your local emergency number (112 in the EU, 911 in the US, 999 in the UK) and, if available, administer naloxone according to its instructions. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Signs and symptoms of opioid overdose may include:
- Pinpoint (constricted) pupils — miosis
- Severely slowed, shallow, or absent breathing — respiratory depression
- Extreme drowsiness or inability to stay awake — somnolence progressing to unconsciousness
- Reduced muscle tone — skeletal muscle flaccidity
- Dangerously low blood pressure — hypotension
- Slow or irregular heartbeat — bradycardia or bradyarrhythmia
- Cold, pale, clammy skin and bluish lips or fingertips (cyanosis)
- In severe cases: circulatory collapse, seizures, pulmonary edema, coma, and death
The specific antidote for opioid overdose is naloxone, a competitive mu-opioid receptor antagonist. Because naloxone has a shorter duration of action than oxycodone from depot tablets, repeated doses or a continuous infusion may be required. All patients who are given naloxone for an overdose must be transported to hospital and observed for re-sedation. Supportive care includes airway management, assisted ventilation, and cardiovascular support as needed.
What Are the Side Effects of Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden?
Quick Answer: The most common side effects are constipation, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and itching. The most serious risk is respiratory depression, which can be fatal. Seek emergency care if you develop sudden breathing difficulties, severe allergic reactions, chest pain, or loss of consciousness. Many side effects are manageable, and some improve within days.
Like all medicines, Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden can cause adverse effects, although not everyone will experience them. Side effects are grouped below by frequency based on clinical trial data and post-marketing surveillance. Frequencies are standard EMA categories: very common (more than 1 in 10 people), common (up to 1 in 10), uncommon (up to 1 in 100), and rare or very rare (up to 1 in 1,000 or fewer).
- Sudden breathing difficulty, severe swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or widespread hives (signs of anaphylaxis)
- Very slow, shallow, or absent breathing — especially on waking someone who is difficult to rouse
- Sudden drop in blood pressure, severe dizziness, or fainting
- Chest pain, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat
- Seizures (convulsions)
- Blue or gray tint to the lips or fingertips
Very Common
Affects more than 1 in 10 people
- Drowsiness or excessive sleepiness (especially at the start of treatment or after a dose increase; usually improves after several days)
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Constipation (persistent — does not usually resolve without active management)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itching (pruritus)
Common
Affects up to 1 in 10 people
- Decreased appetite, weight loss
- Anxiety, confusion, depression, nervousness, insomnia, abnormal dreams
- Abnormal thoughts or thought disturbances
- Tremor, lethargy (feeling sluggish)
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea), wheezing, bronchospasm, reduced cough reflex
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, dry mouth, indigestion (dyspepsia), hiccups
- Skin rash, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Increased urinary frequency or urgency
- Weakness (asthenia), fatigue, chills
Uncommon
Affects up to 1 in 100 people
- Allergic hypersensitivity reactions
- Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) with low sodium
- Agitation, mood swings, euphoria or dysphoria, hallucinations
- Decreased sex drive, drug dependence
- Seizures (especially in patients with epilepsy), muscle rigidity, involuntary muscle contractions
- Reduced sensation to pain or touch (hypoesthesia), speech difficulties, fainting, tingling (paraesthesia)
- Memory disturbance, migraine, changes in taste
- Visual disturbance (blurred vision), changes in tear production, constricted pupils
- Increased heart rate, palpitations
- Vasodilation (flushing), low blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension
- Voice changes, cough, sore throat, runny nose
- Mouth ulcers, gum inflammation, difficulty swallowing, flatulence, belching, bowel obstruction, ileus
- Elevated liver enzymes, biliary colic
- Dry skin
- Difficulty urinating, urinary retention, impotence
- Pain (including chest pain), malaise, thirst, edema (swelling of hands, ankles, or feet)
- Physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms, drug tolerance
- Accidental injuries due to drowsiness or dizziness
Rare and Very Rare
Affects up to 1 in 1,000 people (or fewer)
- Lymph node disorders
- Increased appetite, weight gain, dehydration
- Severe orthostatic hypotension causing falls
- Dark, tarry stools (suggesting gastrointestinal bleeding), tooth discoloration, bleeding gums
- Hives (urticaria), increased sensitivity to light (photosensitivity)
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Exfoliative dermatitis (very rare, peeling skin rash)
- Aggression, paranoia
- Opioid-induced hyperalgesia — paradoxical increased pain sensitivity that does not respond to dose increases
- Dental caries (tooth decay), often linked to long-term dry mouth
- Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (severe upper abdominal pain)
- Amenorrhea, menstrual irregularities, reduced fertility
- Anaphylactic reactions
Hormonal Effects of Long-Term Use
As with other strong opioids, prolonged use of Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden — particularly at higher daily doses — may affect the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and reduce production of cortisol and sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen). Clinical manifestations can include fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, sexual dysfunction, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and menstrual irregularities. Any such symptoms should be discussed with your doctor; endocrine assessment and hormone replacement may be appropriate in long-term therapy.
Managing Common Side Effects
Constipation is the most persistent side effect and typically does not resolve on its own. Preventive management from the start of therapy is strongly recommended, combining adequate fluid intake, fiber or bulking agents where appropriate, and laxatives (usually a combination of a stimulant such as senna or bisacodyl with a softener such as docusate or macrogol). Peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORAs) such as naloxegol or methylnaltrexone may be used in refractory cases.
Nausea and vomiting are most troublesome in the first days of treatment and usually improve. Your doctor may prescribe an antiemetic (metoclopramide or a 5-HT3 antagonist such as ondansetron). Drowsiness usually improves within a few days as tolerance develops; do not drive or operate machinery until you know how you react. Pruritus (itching) is often mediated by histamine release and typically improves; low-dose antihistamines can help. Dry mouth can be eased by sugar-free gum or sweets and good oral hygiene to prevent caries.
Reporting Side Effects
If you experience any side effect — especially one that is severe, persistent, or not listed in this article — report it to your doctor or pharmacist. Patients and healthcare professionals can also report suspected adverse drug reactions to their national pharmacovigilance authority (for example, the EMA EudraVigilance system, the FDA MedWatch program, or the MHRA Yellow Card scheme in the UK). Reporting helps to continuously monitor the safety of medicines.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden?
Quick Answer: Do not stop Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden abruptly. After regular use, the body becomes physically dependent, and sudden discontinuation can cause unpleasant, sometimes severe withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will taper the dose gradually over days to weeks to minimize these effects. Withdrawal symptoms may include yawning, sweating, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea.
When Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden is taken regularly for more than a short time, the central nervous system adapts to the presence of the opioid. This physical dependence is an expected pharmacological phenomenon and is not the same as addiction: a person can be physically dependent on an opioid without misusing it. However, it does mean that abrupt discontinuation or rapid dose reduction triggers a well-characterized withdrawal syndrome.
Typical features of opioid withdrawal include:
- Frequent yawning, runny nose, and watering eyes
- Dilated pupils
- Tremors and shivering
- Excessive sweating and goosebumps (piloerection)
- Anxiety, agitation, irritability, and restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Muscle pain and cramps; bone aches
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Craving for opioids
When your doctor decides that Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden is no longer needed, the daily dose will be tapered gradually. A common approach is to reduce the total daily dose by around 10% every one to two weeks, but the schedule is always individualized based on the starting dose, duration of therapy, and how you tolerate each reduction. Faster tapers may be used for short-term treatments, while longer, slower tapers are preferred after prolonged high-dose therapy. Never change or stop your dose on your own.
If withdrawal symptoms are troublesome, the taper can be slowed or temporarily paused. Adjunctive medicines such as clonidine or lofexidine can help with autonomic symptoms, and short-term use of antiemetics, antidiarrheals, and sleep aids may be beneficial. If there are signs of an underlying opioid use disorder, referral to specialist addiction services and consideration of opioid agonist therapy (buprenorphine or methadone) may be appropriate.
How Should You Store Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden?
Quick Answer: Store Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden at or below 25°C in a locked, secure location out of sight and reach of children and other household members. Keep tablets in the original blister pack until use. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging. Return unused or expired medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal — never to household waste or drains.
Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden is a strong opioid and a controlled substance; it must be stored with the same level of security as other valuables. Accidental ingestion — even of a single tablet — can cause a fatal overdose in a child or in any opioid-naive person. Storage in the original blister pack helps protect the tablets from moisture and light and allows clear identification by batch number and expiry date.
- Temperature: Store at or below 25°C. Avoid storage in hot places (for example, in a car in summer) and in humid environments such as bathrooms.
- Security: Keep the medicine in a locked cupboard, drawer, or medicine cabinet with a key. Children may find tablets visually similar to sweets, which is a leading cause of pediatric opioid poisoning.
- Original packaging: Do not transfer tablets to other containers. The original blister and carton contain essential information including strength, batch number, and expiry date.
- Expiry: Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton and blister. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Disposal: Do not throw unused or expired tablets into household waste or flush them down the toilet or sink. Return all unused medicine to a pharmacy or an authorized take-back program. This protects both the environment and vulnerable individuals from accidental exposure or diversion.
Accidental ingestion of even a single Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden 5 mg tablet by a child may be fatal. If you suspect a child has swallowed a tablet, call your local emergency number immediately, keep the child awake if possible, and give naloxone if available and you are trained to use it. Take the original packaging with you to the emergency department so staff can identify the medicine.
Oxycodone is a controlled substance in virtually all countries. If you intend to travel with Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden, carry it in its original packaging along with the original prescription or a letter from your doctor. Some countries require a certificate or import license for personal quantities of opioids, particularly the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Singapore. Check the regulations of your destination and any transit countries well in advance.
What Does Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden Contain?
Quick Answer: The active ingredient is oxycodone hydrochloride; each depot tablet contains 5 mg. Inactive ingredients typically include lactose monohydrate, povidone, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and colloidal anhydrous silica in the tablet core, plus a film coating of polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, macrogol, talc, and iron oxide colorants.
Active substance: Each Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden extended-release tablet contains 5 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride (equivalent to approximately 4.48 mg oxycodone base).
Inactive Ingredients (Excipients)
Tablet core: Lactose monohydrate, hypromellose, povidone, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, and colloidal anhydrous silica. Hypromellose functions as the extended-release polymer matrix that gradually releases oxycodone over approximately 12 hours.
Film coating: Polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol (polyethylene glycol), talc, and iron oxide colorants (E172). The coating protects the tablet from moisture, improves swallowing, and gives each strength a characteristic color for easy identification.
Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden contains lactose monohydrate. If you have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance or galactose intolerance, a lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption, tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
Appearance of the Tablet
Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden 5 mg tablets are round, film-coated depot tablets. The exact color and markings depend on the specific marketing authorization and packaging in each country; consult the patient information leaflet supplied with your pack or your pharmacist if you are unsure whether the tablets you have dispensed are correct. If the tablet appearance differs significantly from a previous dispensation, do not take it without first speaking to a pharmacist.
Pack Sizes
Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden is typically supplied in blister packs (PVC/aluminum) and occasionally in HDPE bottles. Pack sizes may include 20, 28, 50, 56, 98, and 100 tablets depending on the market. Your pharmacy will dispense the quantity prescribed by your doctor, which is regulated by local narcotics legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden
Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden 5 mg is a strong opioid analgesic prescribed for severe pain that cannot be adequately managed with non-opioid medications and that requires continuous, around-the-clock treatment. Typical indications include chronic cancer pain, severe post-surgical pain, and selected cases of chronic non-cancer pain where other therapies have failed. The depot formulation provides sustained pain relief over approximately 12 hours, making twice-daily dosing suitable for most patients.
Depot (extended-release) tablets like Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden release the active ingredient gradually over approximately 12 hours, giving steady background pain control with twice-daily dosing. Immediate-release oxycodone is absorbed quickly, peaks within about 1 hour, and lasts 4–6 hours; it is used for short-term acute pain or for managing breakthrough pain in patients already on a stable depot regimen. Depot tablets must be swallowed whole — crushing or chewing them destroys the release mechanism and can cause a fatal overdose.
Yes. Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden carries a significant risk of opioid use disorder (addiction), tolerance, and physical dependence, even when taken as prescribed. The risk is higher with longer treatment duration, higher doses, and in people with a history of substance misuse or mental health conditions. Physical dependence is an expected pharmacological response to long-term opioid use and is not the same as addiction, but it is the reason the medicine must always be tapered rather than stopped abruptly. Speak to your doctor early if you notice signs of problematic use.
The most dangerous side effect is respiratory depression — severely slowed or stopped breathing — which can be fatal. Risk is highest at the start of treatment, after dose increases, in elderly or debilitated patients, and when combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants. Other serious adverse effects include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), dangerously low blood pressure, seizures, and in overdose situations, circulatory collapse, coma, and death. Anyone prescribed a strong opioid should know how to recognize overdose and how to use naloxone.
No. You must not drink alcohol while taking Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden. Alcohol and oxycodone both depress the central nervous system, and their combination markedly raises the risk of severe respiratory depression, profound sedation, loss of consciousness, coma, and death. Alcohol can also accelerate the release of oxycodone from the depot matrix — a phenomenon called "dose dumping" — producing dangerously high plasma levels. The prohibition applies to all forms of alcohol, including beer, wine, spirits, and some cough or herbal products that contain ethanol.
No. Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden tablets must be swallowed whole. Crushing, splitting, chewing, or dissolving the tablet destroys the extended-release mechanism and can release the entire dose over a few minutes rather than 12 hours, which may be fatal in opioid-naive individuals. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. An immediate-release oral solution, a different opioid, or a non-oral route (for example, a transdermal patch) may be more suitable.
If you miss a dose of Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden, take it as soon as you remember, but only if the next scheduled dose is at least 8 hours away. If less than 8 hours remain before your next dose, skip the missed dose entirely and continue your regular schedule. Never take a double dose to compensate — doing so significantly increases the risk of respiratory depression and overdose. If you have missed several doses in a row, contact your prescriber before restarting, as your tolerance may have decreased.
Never throw unused Oxycodone Depot Teva Sweden tablets in household waste or flush them down the toilet. Because of the risks of diversion, misuse, and environmental contamination, return all unused or expired opioid medication to a pharmacy or an authorized medicines take-back program. Most community pharmacies and many hospitals offer a free disposal service. Keeping unused opioids in the home increases the risk of accidental exposure (especially to children) and theft.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Guidelines for the Pharmacological and Radiotherapeutic Management of Cancer Pain in Adults and Adolescents. Geneva: WHO; 2018. Available at: who.int
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Oxycodone Hydrochloride – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). European public assessment reports. Available at: ema.europa.eu
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Oxycodone Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets – Prescribing Information. FDA Approved Drug Products. Available at: fda.gov
- British National Formulary (BNF). Oxycodone hydrochloride. NICE Evidence Services. Available at: bnf.nice.org.uk
- Dowell D, Ragan KR, Jones CM, Baldwin GT, Chou R. CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain – United States, 2022. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2022;71(No. RR-3):1–95. DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.rr7103a1
- Chou R, Hartung D, Turner J, et al. Opioid Treatments for Chronic Pain. Comparative Effectiveness Review No. 229. AHRQ Publication No. 20-EHC011. Rockville, MD: AHRQ; 2020.
- Caraceni A, Hanks G, Kaasa S, et al. Use of opioid analgesics in the treatment of cancer pain: evidence-based recommendations from the EAPC. Lancet Oncol. 2012;13(2):e58–e68. DOI: 10.1016/S1470-2045(12)70040-2
- Smith HS. Clinical Pharmacology of Oxycodone. Pain Physician. 2009;12(1):251–259.
- Kalso E. Oxycodone. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2005;29(5 Suppl):S47–S56. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2005.01.010
- Ordonez Gallego A, Gonzalez Baron M, Espinosa Arranz E. Oxycodone: a pharmacological and clinical review. Clin Transl Oncol. 2007;9(5):298–307.
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology. ATC/DDD Index 2025 – N02AA05 Oxycodone. Oslo: Norwegian Institute of Public Health; 2025.
About Our Medical Editorial Team
This article has been written and medically reviewed by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team, a group of licensed specialist physicians, clinical pharmacologists, and healthcare professionals with expertise in pain medicine and opioid pharmacology. All medical information is evidence-based, following international guidelines from the WHO, EMA, FDA, and the British National Formulary (BNF).
Every article undergoes a rigorous review process including initial authoring by medical writers, expert medical review by board-certified physicians, fact-checking against primary sources (SmPC, prescribing information, peer-reviewed literature), and scheduled updates to reflect the latest evidence and guideline changes.
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