OxyContin (oxycodone hydrochloride extended-release tablets) is a potent Schedule II controlled substance opioid pain medication in the USA. It is prescription-only and reserved for specific cases due to high risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, respiratory depression, and death.
Who Can Take OxyContin (Patient Eligibility per FDA Labeling)
OxyContin is FDA-approved for:
Management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment (e.g., chronic severe pain from cancer, certain injuries, or other conditions) and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate (e.g., non-opioid pain relievers, physical therapy, or immediate-release opioids are not sufficient or tolerated).Key eligibility and limitations:
Adults (and opioid-tolerant pediatric patients 11 years and older who are already on a minimum daily opioid equivalent of at least 20 mg oxycodone or similar).Must be for continuous, around-the-clock use — not as-needed (PRN), for mild pain, acute/short-term pain, or immediate postoperative pain (unless the patient was already on chronic opioids pre-surgery and pain is expected to be moderate-severe/long-lasting).