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Targin

(oxycodone - naloxone)

In this factsheet:
• How does Targin work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Targin?
• What form(s) does Targin come in?
• Who should NOT take Targin?
• What side effects are possible with Targin?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Targin?
• What other drugs could interact with Targin?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Targin work? What will it do for me?

This combination medication contains two active ingredients: oxycodone and naloxone. Oxycodone belongs to the group of medications known as opioid analgesics (narcotic pain relievers). Naloxone belongs to a group of medications known as opiate antagonists and is used to lessen the constipation caused by oxycodone. This combination is used to treat moderate to severe pain in adults who require 24-hour pain relief for several days or more.

Oxycodone decreases pain by working on the central nervous system. Naloxone works by blocking receptors in the gut that slow the elimination of the stool. This medication relieves pain for up to 12 hours.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Targin?

The usual recommended dose of oxycodone - naloxone is one tablet taken by mouth every 12 hours. This medication should be started at a low dose and gradually increased as needed for further relief.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not chew, break, crush, or dissolve it. It can be taken with or without water and should be taken with enough fluid (e.g., a glass of water). Do not take this medication by the rectal route.

Due to the formulation of the tablets, you may see the remains of the tablet in your stool. This empty matrix no longer contains any medication.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light, heat, and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Targin come in?

10 mg/5 mg tablet
Each white, oblong, controlled release tablet with a film coating, marked "OXN" on one side and "10" on the other contains 10 mg oxycodone hydrochloride and 5 mg naloxone hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: tablet core: ethylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, povidone K30, stearyl alcohol, and talc; tablet coating: opadry II white, polyethylene glycol (Macrogol 3350), polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide (E171).

20 mg/10 mg tablet
Each pink, oblong, controlled release tablet with a film coating, marked "OXN" on one side and "20" on the other contains 20 mg oxycodone hydrochloride and 10 mg naloxone hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: tablet core: ethylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, povidone K30, stearyl alcohol, and talc; tablet coating: opadry II pink, iron oxide red (E172), polyethylene glycol (Macrogol 3350), polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide (E171).

40 mg/20 mg tablet
Each yellow, oblong, controlled release tablet with a film coating, marked "OXN" on one side and "40" on the other contains 40 mg oxycodone hydrochloride and 20 mg naloxone hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: tablet core: ethylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, povidone K30, stearyl alcohol, and talc; tablet coating: opadry II yellow, iron oxide yellow (E172), polyethylene glycol (Macrogol 3350), polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide (E171).

Who should NOT take Targin?

Oxycodone - naloxone should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to oxycodone, naloxone, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is breast-feeding, pregnant, or during labour and delivery
• is dependent upon opioids
• is taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (or within 14 days of such therapy)
• has a recent head injury
• has acute alcoholism, delirium tremens, and convulsive disorders (seizures)
• has acute asthma or other obstructive airway, and status asthmaticus
• has acute pain
• has acute respiratory depression, increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood, and cor pulmonale
• has immediate post-operative pain (i.e., surgery less than 24 hours ago)
• has known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction (e.g., bowel obstruction, strictures) or any diseases or conditions that affect the movement of the bowel
• has mild, intermittent, or short duration pain that can be managed with other pain medications
• has moderate to severe liver impairment
• has severe CNS depression, increased cerebrospinal or intracranial pressure, and head injury
• has suspected surgical abdomen (e.g., acute appendicitis or pancreatitis)

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