Medications

Is my painkiller an opioid?

Ask the doctors

I'm currently taking a pill that combines 5 milligrams (mg) of oxycodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen. It keeps my pain under control and doesn't seem to interfere with other medicines I'm taking. However, I was reading about opioids and wonder if it falls in that category. If it does, should I be taking it?

While you are taking oxycodone-acetaminophen you should avoid taking other medications containing either an opioid or acetaminophen (which may be listed as APAP on product labels). Check with your pharmacist to make sure that any new drugs you might take — such as nonprescription cold, allergy, or sleeping medications — are safe to use. You should also avoid alcohol and refrain from driving.

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