I have had two knee replacements 12 yrs ago I have been prescribed oxycontin for pain control as one knee is needing revision. What would be another choice in meds as the oxycontin is very expensive and I think i have gotten a tolerance to this drug because one a day is not enough
Hi there.
I'm sorry you are having this pain problem. Are you still online?
Oxycontin is a long acting medication that contains the morphine derivative hydrocodone.
The short acting version is called oxycodone and comes in 5 mg or 10 mg tablets. These are usually prescribed one to two tablets every 4 to 6 hours for pain.
There are also combinations of hydrocodone with acetaminophen (tylenol). These combinations are also known as vicodon (5/500), percocet (5/325), or norco (10/325).
the first number is XXX amount of hydrocodone, the second number is XXX amount of acetaminophen.
For some reason the mixture of hydrocodone and acetaminophen seems to work well to reduce pain.
In general if you ask your pharmacy or insurance company I am sure there is a low cost version of any one of these medications that is available to you. Always ask for the generic form because the brand name is XXXX XXXXXXXXX and is no different from the generic because it contains the same medications.
Please be advised that morphine and its derivatives are highly addictive and if taken in too high of doses can cause respiratory depression and other side effects that can be fatal.
I typically would not prescribe an oxcyontin because it is long acting and you only take it twice a day and I caution patients from taking these types of pills before they go to sleep.
Please let me know if you have further questions. I hope I have helped you out. Thanks.
Experience: Orthopedic Surgeon
Vicodin does not work it takes too much thats why i went to oxycontin. I have been on pain meds off and on for the last 30 yrs from alot of surgeries. My last doc couldnt believe how high my drug tolerance has gotten and he had been treating me for the last 15 yrs. He is retiring now. I have a very hard time finding a doctor that will work with me as for the problem of all the abuse going on. I cant take this pain much more but I have to wait as my insurance wont kick in for 90 to 120 days then I will have it revised. I really need help I am 52 yr old male any help is appreciative
You could try something not oxydocone based such as dialudid (hydromorphone) or a fentanyl patch (duragesic). I am pretty sure the fentanyl patch would be more expensive than oxycontin. But maybe look into the cause of hydromorphone vs hydrocodone.It sounds like you don't have insurance at this point so your options will be limited because narcotics are usually costly without insurance. Even with insurance some are expensive but generics usually are not. Please let me know if I have been able to answer your questions. I hope I have helped you out. Thanks.