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Fast Facts About OxyContin - Guide To OxyContin

By Carol & Richard Eustice, About.com

Updated May 27, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

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Question #1 of 10 - What Kind of Medicine Is OxyContin?

What kind of medicine is OxyContin?

OxyContin contains oxycodone, a very strong narcotic pain reliever similar to morphine. OxyContin is designed so that the oxycodone is slowly released over time, allowing it to be used twice daily. You should never break, chew, or crush the OxyContin tablet since this causes a large amount of oxycodone to be released from the tablet all at once, potentially resulting in a dangerous or fatal drug overdose.

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