25/11/2019 Xtampza vs Oxycontin: Main Differences and Similarities

Drug
vs.
Drug

Xtampza vs Oxycontin: Main

Differences and Similarities
BY GERARDO SISON, PHARM.D. | JUNE 26, 2019

Xtampza ER and Oxycontin are two extended-release formulations of the opioid analgesic,
oxycodone. They both deliver effective pain relief with a lower risk of abuse and dependence.
While Xtampza is a newer version of extended-release oxycodone, they both work in identical
ways to treat similar types of pain. Read on to learn more about their differences.

Xtampza ER
Xtampza ER is formulated as an oral capsule containing microspheres of oxycodone and other
inactive ingredients. This unique formulation decreases abuse and dependence because
crushing the capsules has no effect on the delivery of drug in the body. In other words, Xtampza
will not produce greater feelings of euphoria if crushed and snorted. The extended-release effect
of Xtampza is also not changed by crushing the capsules.

Xtampza is available as a 9 mg, 13.5 mg, 18 mg, 27 mg, or 36 mg oral capsule.

Oxycontin
Oxycontin is formulated as an extended-release oral tablet. Compared to other formulations,
crushing the tablets can impair the delivery of the drug in the body. When crushed, oxycodone
may be rapidly released and absorbed. The extended-release effect of the drug is thus, greatly
affected. Oxycontin remains a commonly abused opioid according to the DEA.

Oxycontin is available as a 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg oral tablet.

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25/11/2019 Xtampza vs Oxycontin: Main Differences and Similarities

Xtampza vs Oxycontin Side by Side Comparison

Xtampza ER and Oxycontin are two opioid medications that can treat pain. Their differences
and similarities can be found in the table below. Because they contain the same active
ingredient, their side effects and interactions are identical.

Xtampza ER Oxycontin
Prescribed For
Moderate to severe pain Moderate to severe pain

Drug Classification
Opioid Opioid

Manufacturer
Patheon Pharmaceuticals Purdue Pharma

Common Side Effects

Constipation Constipation
Drowsiness Drowsiness
Dizziness Dizziness
Headache Headache
Nausea Nausea
Vomiting Vomiting
Pruritus Pruritus
Lethargy Lethargy
Anxiety Anxiety
Fatigue Fatigue
Flushing Flushing

Is there a generic?
There is no generic currently available There is no generic currently available

Is it covered by insurance?
Varies according to your provider Varies according to your provider

Dosage Forms
Oral capsule, extended release Oral capsule, extended release

Average Cash Price

$260 for a supply of 60, 10 mg extended-
$460 for a supply of 60, 18 mg capsules
release tablets

SingleCare Discount Price

Xtampza ER Price Oxycontin Price

Drug Interactions

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25/11/2019 Xtampza vs Oxycontin: Main Differences and Similarities

Alcohol Alcohol
SSRI/SNRI antidepressants SSRI/SNRI antidepressants
Triptans Triptans
CNS depressants (opioids, CNS depressants (opioids,
antihistamines, antipsychotics, antihistamines, antipsychotics,
antianxiety agents, hypnotics, antianxiety agents, hypnotics,
antiemetics, phenothiazines, antiemetics, phenothiazines,
tranquilizers) tranquilizers)
Mixed agonist/antagonist analgesics Mixed agonist/antagonist analgesics
(butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, (butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine,
buprenorphine) buprenorphine)
Anticholinergics Anticholinergics
MAO inhibitors MAO inhibitors
Tricyclic antidepressants Tricyclic antidepressants
CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitors CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitors
(macrolide antibiotics, azole-antifungal (macrolide antibiotics, azole-antifungal
agents, protease inhibitors) agents, protease inhibitors)
CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin,
carbamazepine, phenytoin) carbamazepine, phenytoin)
Muscle relaxants Muscle relaxants
Diuretics Diuretics

Can I use while planning pregnancy, pregnant, or breastfeeding?

Oxycodone is in Pregnancy Category B. Oxycodone is in Pregnancy Category B.
It may not harm an unborn baby but may It may not harm an unborn baby but may
cause withdrawal symptoms. Consult a cause withdrawal symptoms. Consult a
doctor regarding steps to take while doctor regarding steps to take while
pregnant or breastfeeding. pregnant or breastfeeding.

Summary
Xtampza ER and Oxycontin are two opioid medications for severe pain that does not respond to
other therapies. Both medications contain extended-release formulations of oxycodone.
However, Xtampza ER is an oral capsule while Oxycontin is an oral tablet.

Xtampza ER is a newer formulation that contains microspheres which are not affected by
crushing the drug. This abuse-deterrent formulation makes it difficult to achieve the “high” that
many drug abusers seek. On the other hand, Oxycontin may deliver oxycodone at a faster rate
when crushed.

Both medications are often taken every 12 hours for pain depending on a doctor’s instructions.
Xtampza ER and Oxycontin are Schedule II drugs that have a high potential for abuse and
dependence. Therefore, these drugs should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.

Drug Comparisons

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