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Compare Fentanyl vs. Oxycodone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Fentanyl (Duragesic) and oxycodone (Roxicodone) are both opioids used to treat pain, but they have some key differences. Fentanyl is available as a transdermal patch and is used for severe, long-term pain in people who are already opioid-tolerant. It works by releasing medication through your skin over 72 hours. Fentanyl patches are not recommended for short-term pain control or for those who are not opioid-tolerant. Oxycodone, on the other hand, is an immediate-release medication available in forms like tablets, capsules, and liquid, and is used for pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medications. It starts working within 10 to 30 minutes and lasts for about 3 to 6 hours. It is typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. Both medications have a high risk of misuse and dependence, which is why they are both considered controlled substances. Both medications have a high risk of misuse, dependency, and addiction, but Fentanyl requires special monitoring and training for healthcare providers due to its higher risk of life-threatening side effects.

  • Fentanyl patch
    Oxycodone
  • Fentanyl patch
    Oxycodone

  • Summary of Fentanyl vs. Oxycodone

    Summary for Opioid
    Prescription only

    The fentanyl transdermal patch, previously known by the brand name Duragesic, is an opioid. It's a patch that's applied on the skin every 3 days to manage severe, long-term or chronic pain. The fentanyl patch is only approved for people who are "opioid tolerant" whose pain isn't controlled well enough with other treatment options. Fentanyl is a very powerful opioid, so the medication can be especially dangerous for those who aren't opioid tolerant because of their high risk for extremely slowed breathing and overdose. Some side effects include nausea, vomiting, and sleepiness.

    Summary for Opioid
    Prescription only

    Immediate-release oxycodone, also known by its brand names Roxicodone and Oxaydo, is an opioid. It's used to treat pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications. Immediate-release oxycodone is available as tablets, capsules, and a liquid that are taken by mouth. Your prescriber will work with you to find the dosage for your individual needs, but it's typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for your pain. Common side effects include making you constipated, sleepy, and dizzy. Oxycodone is a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependence.

  • Indications of Fentanyl vs. Oxycodone

    Indications for
    •Severe, chronic pain in people who are opioid tolerant
    Indications for
    •Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

  • Pros and Cons of Fentanyl vs. Oxycodone

    Pros and Const for Opioid
    Pros
    •A possible option for severe, chronic pain if you've already tried other treatments and they don't work well enough for you
    •A possible choice if you have trouble swallowing pills
    •Replaced on the skin every 3 days
    Cons
    •Only approved for people who are already taking opioids around-the-clock (opioid tolerant)
    •High risk for dangerously slow breathing, misuse, and addiction
    •Not intended to use as needed, for short-term pain, or for mild pain
    Pros and Const for Opioid
    Pros
    •Immediate-release oxycodone can start to relieve pain within 30 minutes
    •Available as a lower-cost generic (except Oxaydo)
    Cons
    •High risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction
    •Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
    •Have special requirements to fill a prescription for it because it's a controlled substance

  • Common Side Effects of Fentanyl vs. Oxycodone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (41%)
    •Vomiting (26%)
    •Sleepiness (19%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Trouble sleeping (10%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •A lot of sweating (6%)
    •Tiredness (6%)
    •Feeling cold (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea
    •Constipation
    •Vomiting
    •Itching
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Sleepiness
    •Trouble sleeping

  • Warnings of Fentanyl vs. Oxycodone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for misuse and addiction
    •Life-threatening slowed breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Risk for opioid overdose
    •Life-threatening risks with accidental exposure
    •Life-threatening risks with patch exposure to high temperatures (e.g., heat, high fever)
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Drug interactions
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Low blood pressure and slow heart rate
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Seizures
    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Risk for opioid overdose
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Drug interactions
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Fentanyl vs. Oxycodone

    Learn more about Fentanyl patch
    Learn more about Oxycodone

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