How to Compare Opana & Oxycodone

Oxycodone and Opana are semi-synthetic opioids used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Opana is actually the registered name of an oxymorphone tablet manufactured by Endo Pharmaceuticals. Both drugs have similar effects with the biggest difference being cost.

Dosage

• Oxycodone requires twice as much medicine as oxymorphone to achieve similar effects.

  The dose ratio between oxycodone and oxymorphone oral preparations is about 2:1. Oxymorphone requires about half as much medicine by mass to reach the same comfort level as oxycodone in pain treatment.

Effects

• Physicians and nurses inform patients of the desired effects and risks of medications.

  The desired effect of both oxycodone and oxymorphone is generally analgesia or pain relief. Other uses include sedation and treating dyspnea, or shortness of breath. Both drugs have similar side-effects such as decreased respiratory function, nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, and more.

Cost

• Oxycodone is more commonly prescribed due to a drastically lower price than Opana.

  In the US, oxymorphone tablets are only available under the trademarked name Opana. Oxycodone was developed much earlier and is currently available in generic preparations. For this reason, oxycodone is significantly cheaper than oxymorphone.