Leslie Massey
OxyContin is a brand name for the generic drug Oxycodone, which is a Schedule 8 drug in Australia. Oxycodone is a medicine used to relieve severe pain and requires a prescription. Oxycodone is also sometimes used by people to get 'high'. Pharmaceutical opioids, including Oxycodone, are responsible for more deaths and poisoning hospitalisations than illegal opioids in Australia. In 2016, around 11% of Australians aged 14 and over had used opioids for illicit or non-medical purposes. Oxycodone use comes with side effects including life-threatening breathing problems and the risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oxycontin legality in Australia | Oxycontin is a prescription opioid available in Australia. It is a Schedule 8 drug, meaning it is tightly controlled and requires a prescription. |
| Oxycontin side effects | Oxycontin use can cause life-threatening breathing problems and carries a risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction. |
| Oxycontin usage in Australia | In 2016, 11% of Australians aged 14 and over had used opioids for illicit or non-medical purposes. Oxycodone, which includes Oxycontin, was used by 17% of this group. |
| Oxycontin travel restrictions | Travellers entering Australia can bring Oxycontin for personal use or for an immediate family member with a valid prescription from their doctor. |
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What You'll Learn
Oxycodone is a Schedule 8 drug in Australia
Oxycodone is an opioid pain medication, often sold under the brand name OxyContin, and is used to treat moderate to severe pain. While it is a legal medication when prescribed by a medical professional, oxycodone has a high potential for misuse and can lead to physical dependence and addiction. As a result, its prescription and supply are tightly controlled in Australia.
Medical practitioners must adhere to strict guidelines when prescribing oxycodone to patients. The National Prescribing Service recommends that daily doses should not exceed 100 mg in morphine equivalence (approximately 60 mg of oxycodone) without specialist advice. Prescribers may apply for a permit directly in SafeScript, which allows them to treat a patient until the outcome of the permit application is determined. This provision aims to prevent drug-seeking patients from obtaining multiple prescriptions.
Additionally, medical practitioners who are not approved opioid replacement therapy (ORT) prescribers are advised to seek advice from an approved prescriber before prescribing oxycodone to a patient. This ensures that the medication is prescribed appropriately and in line with the patient's needs.
Travellers entering Australia are allowed to bring oxycodone into the country for their personal use or for the use of an immediate family member travelling with them. However, they must have a valid prescription from their doctor or a letter stating that they are under treatment and specifying the name of the medicine and dosage.
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Oxycodone requires a prescription
Oxycodone is a Schedule 8 drug in Australia, meaning it is a controlled substance that requires a prescription. It is a medicine typically used to relieve severe pain and comes in many forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid, and suppositories. Some forms of oxycodone act quickly, while others are designed for controlled release and work more slowly. Oxycodone is also sometimes used by people to get 'high'.
Oxycodone is a pharmaceutical opioid, and its use has been associated with significant harm in Australia. Between 2007-08 and 2016-17, there was a 25% increase in hospitalisations due to opioid poisoning in the country. Pharmaceutical opioids were responsible for more opioid deaths and hospitalisations than illegal opioids such as heroin during this period. In 2016, around 11% of Australians aged 14 and over had used opioids for illicit or non-medical purposes, with most using pharmaceutical opioids.
Given the potential for harm and misuse, oxycodone is tightly regulated in Australia. Doctors must follow state and territory laws when prescribing oxycodone and must notify or receive approval from the appropriate health authority. Oxycodone prescriptions are only valid from Australian doctors for Australian residents, while international visitors should have a valid prescription from their doctor when entering the country.
Travellers to Australia are allowed to bring oxycodone into the country for their personal use or the use of an immediate family member travelling with them under the traveller's exemption. However, it is essential to have a valid prescription or a letter from a doctor stating that the medication has been prescribed for personal use, along with the medicine's name and dosage.
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Oxycodone is sometimes used to get 'high'
Oxycodone is a prescription opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is available in Australia and is covered by the traveller exemption. Oxycodone is a powerful drug that can be habit-forming and lead to mental or physical dependence. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and not take more than what is directed by a doctor. Misuse of oxycodone can result in serious side effects, including overdose and death.
Oxycodone is sometimes used to get high due to its ability to produce a sense of euphoria and well-being. When taken in higher doses than prescribed, oxycodone can induce a feeling of euphoria, which is often described as a "rush". This rush is sought after by those who misuse the drug. However, tampering with the controlled release of oxycodone, such as by crushing or chewing the pill, can lead to a fatal overdose.
The risk of oxycodone misuse is higher in individuals who have developed a dependence on the drug. Dependence can occur when oxycodone is used for an extended period, as the body can build up a tolerance to the drug. Individuals may then take higher doses to achieve the same effect, increasing the risk of overdose. Withdrawal symptoms such as shakes, cramps, vomiting, muscle pain, and trouble sleeping can also occur when attempting to stop taking oxycodone.
The Australian government has recognised the potential for harmful and hazardous use of opioids, including oxycodone. Initiatives have been implemented to improve appropriate pain management and reduce the harm associated with prescription opioids. These initiatives aim to support the safe and clinically appropriate use of opioids while ensuring that prescribers can still access them for their patients when needed.
It is important to note that buying or selling oxycodone that has been prescribed to someone else is illegal and wastes resources that could be used to help those who are sick. Additionally, driving or operating machinery after taking oxycodone can increase the risk of accidents, potentially causing harm to oneself or others.
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Oxycodone is used to relieve severe pain
Oxycodone is a potent semi-synthetic opioid with agonistic properties on mu-, kappa-, and delta-type opioid receptors. It is used to relieve severe pain in patients who cannot be treated with other pain medications. Oxycodone is available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations, which are taken orally as tablets, capsules, or liquid solutions. The immediate-release formulation is suitable for acute or chronic moderate-to-severe pain when opioid medication is deemed appropriate and other pain management strategies have proven inadequate. On the other hand, the extended-release formulation is intended for severe pain that necessitates continuous, long-term opioid treatment when no alternative options are viable. Oxycodone is also available in combination with acetaminophen (Oxycet®, Percocet®, among others) and aspirin (Percodan®).
Oxycodone acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to alleviate pain by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond. It is essential to take oxycodone exactly as directed by a healthcare provider. Patients should discuss their pain treatment goals, length of treatment, and alternative pain management strategies with their healthcare provider. Oxycodone may become habit-forming, leading to mental or physical dependence, especially with prolonged use. Therefore, it is crucial to closely follow the instructions provided and not exceed the recommended dosage or frequency.
Oxycodone is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence. It is associated with serious unwanted effects if taken by individuals who are not accustomed to strong opioid pain medications, including children and the elderly. As a result, it should be stored securely and out of the reach of others. Proper disposal of unused opioid medication is also essential, either through drug take-back locations or by flushing them down the toilet if no other options are available.
In Australia, oxycodone is a prescription medication covered by the traveller's exemption. Individuals entering Australia can carry oxycodone for their personal use or that of an immediate family member travelling with them. However, a valid prescription from a doctor is required, and it is advisable to have a letter from the prescribing doctor stating the purpose and dosage of the medication. These measures ensure that oxycodone is used appropriately and safely in Australia, contributing to the government's efforts to address the opioid-related harm in the country.
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Oxycodone is available in many forms
Oxycodone is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It is often prescribed to alleviate pain by altering how the brain and nervous system respond to it. Oxycodone can be habit-forming, and it is crucial to take it exactly as directed by a doctor. It is available in various forms, including:
- Extended-release tablets and capsules: These are designed to release oxycodone gradually over an extended period. They should not be used interchangeably with the regular oral solution or tablets, as they work differently even at the same dose.
- Oral solution or regular tablets: The oral solution and regular tablets are typically taken as needed for pain management. It is important not to switch between brands or forms without medical advice.
- Concentrated solution: This form of oxycodone is reserved for individuals who are already tolerant of opioid medications due to prior exposure.
- Combination medications: Oxycodone may also be available in combination with other drugs, such as acetaminophen (Oxycet®, Percocet®) or aspirin (Percodan®).
In Australia, oxycodone is a prescription medication. It is covered by the traveller exemption, which allows individuals entering the country to bring a limited supply for their personal use or that of an immediate family member travelling with them. However, it is important to have a valid prescription or a letter from a doctor stating the medication's purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
No, OxyContin is not illegal in Australia, but it is a Schedule 8 drug, meaning it is tightly controlled and requires a prescription.
OxyContin is a medicine used to relieve severe pain and is classified as an opioid.
The use of opioids like OxyContin comes with side effects including life-threatening breathing problems and the risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction.
Oxycodone, the active ingredient in OxyContin, is covered by the traveller's exemption, meaning you can bring it into Australia for personal use or for the use of an immediate family member travelling with you. You will need a valid prescription from your doctor.
