Oxycodone vs. Roxicodone: What’s the Difference?

There isn’t a difference between Roxicodone and oxycodone — they are the same drug. Roxicodone is simply the brand name for short-acting oxycodone. 

Oxycodone is a strong painkiller that doctors usually prescribe for patients with moderate to severe pain who aren’t finding relief with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen.[1]  

When used briefly and as prescribed, oxycodone and medications that contain oxycodone, such as Roxicodone, can be an effective option for those seeking to manage pain. If misused, both oxycodone and Roxicodone can lead to opioid use disorder (OUD). 

What’s the Difference Between Oxycodone & Roxicodone?

There is no difference between oxycodone and Roxicodone, other than one being generic and one being a brand name. Roxicodone is the brand name for the short-acting version of oxycodone, which is a generic drug.[2]  

Opioid Brand Names vs. Generic Names

There are many brand-name versions of opioid medications, including oxycodone. There are several reasons why this happens. 

Patent Law

When a pharmaceutical company creates a drug, it files for a patent that protects it from being used by any other company. While they hold the patent, they can create as many brand-name versions of the drug as they like and charge what they want for them. 

When the patent expires, other companies are free to offer generic versions of the drug or to use it in their formulations as long as they prove bioequivalence. This means that they need to prove that it is just as effective as the brand-name formulation.[3]  

Dosing Options

Companies may choose to offer a generic drug in a different dosage than is offered by the original manufacturer if they believe there is a market for it. It may also be made available in extended-release formulation, so pills need to be taken less frequently. 

For example, oxycodone is available in 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg or 80 mg extended-release pills. It is also available in a 5 mg immediate-release pill.[4] 

Different Formulations

Not every patient wants or requires a pure form of a given drug. Some manufacturers will combine two substances to create a unique formulation with a different brand name. 

For example, oxycodone is available for sale in combination with aspirin as Percodan or in combination with acetaminophen as Roxicet.[4]

Cost

There are usually large price discrepancies between generic and brand-name drugs, with brand-name versions often costing significantly more than their generic counterparts. 

This is because the company that develops the drug takes on significant costs associated with its development, including rigorous trials and research into its effects as it creates the formulation. After the patent expires, they may maintain their high prices to offset those origination costs and capitalize on brand recognition of the name of the drug in the marketplace. 

If you are paying high prices for your medication, ask your doctor if there is a comparable generic brand available that will save you money. 

Roxicodone vs. Oxycodone

Roxicodone is one of the many drugs on the market that include oxycodone as an active ingredient. Roxicodone contains only oxycodone, and it is available in 15 mg or 30 mg tablets.[2]

Other drugs that contain oxycodone include:[1,4]

• OxyContin (extended-release versions of oxycodone)
• Xtampza ER (extended-release oxycodone)
• OxyIR (immediate-release oxycodone)
• Oxycet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)
• Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)
• Percodan (oxycodone and aspirin)
• Oxado (immediate-release oxycodone)
• Roxicet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)
• Targiniq ER (oxycodone and naloxone)
• Xartemis XR (oxycodone and acetaminophen)

Does Oxycodone Have the Same Side Effects as Roxicodone?

Yes, the side effects of oxycodone and Roxicodone are the same since they are the same drug. 

Possible side effects include the following:[1]

• Stomach cramping or discomfort
• Headaches 
• Sleepiness
• Dry mouth
• Changes in mood
• Decreased libido

More severe side effects of both medications may include the following:[1]

• Abnormal heartbeat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chest pain
• Skin issues, such as itching, rash, hives and swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Overdose

Are Oxycodone & Roxicodone Withdrawal Symptoms the Same?

Yes, oxycodone and Roxicodone withdrawal symptoms are also the same because they are the same drug. 

As opioids, their withdrawal symptoms include the following:[6-8]  

• Gastrointestinal issues that increase in intensity and severity, including cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
• Intense agitation, paranoia and anxiety that increase over time
• Insomnia
• Runny nose, tearing of the eyes and sweating
• Bone and muscle aches