Indication
Pain
RAG rating
n/a
Document type
Patient information
Place
Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB
Output type
Pharmacy / Prescribing
Information leaflet
Oxycodone-and-Naloxone-combination-products-Patient-Information-Leaflet.docx

Oxycodone and Naloxone combination products Patient Information Leaflet

Oxycodone and naloxone combination products (e.g. Targinact®, Myloxifin®) – Information for Patients

NHS guidance states that some medicines should not routinely be prescribed. This is because the medicines are:

  •  Not as safe as other medicines OR
  •  Not as good (effective) as other medicines OR
  •  More expensive than other medicines that do the same thing.

One of these medicines is oxycodone and naloxone combination products (e.g. Targinact®, Myloxifin®).

This document will explain why the changes are happening and where you can get more information and support.

What are oxycodone and naloxone combination products?

Oxycodone is a strong opioid painkiller that can cause constipation as a side-effect, so the naloxone is added to try to stop constipation from happening.

Why does the NHS want to reduce prescribing of oxycodone and naloxone combination products?

Oxycodone and naloxone combination products are very expensive compared to the cost of a painkiller and a laxative prescribed as separate tablets. Also, oxycodone and naloxone combination products do not work better than the separate tablets, so they are not good value for money for the NHS.

What options are available instead of oxycodone and naloxone combination products?

You can talk to your prescriber about the options available so that you can come to a joint decision about what will be best to relieve your pain.

You may be prescribed a painkiller and a laxative, if needed, as separate tablets instead of a combination product. You may not need the laxative as not everyone gets constipation as a side effect, although constipation is a very common side effect if oxycodone is taken regularly.

Oxycodone will still be available as one of the painkiller choices, where appropriate.

What do I do if my medicine has been changed and it’s causing me problems?

If you have problems with your new medicine(s) you should speak to your prescriber who may suggest a different painkiller and/or laxative.

In exceptional circumstances, an oxycodone and naloxone combination product may continue to be prescribed if a consultant or other healthcare specialist supports this decision.

Where can I find more information and support?

 

Find out more about the medicines that are being stopped or reduced: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/items-which-should-not-routinely-be-prescribed-in-primary-care-policy-guidance/
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