Whats the difernce between oxy 20 mg and oxy IR 5mg.can a patient w terminal lung cancer take these?

The reasons for warnings about breathing and lung issues is that Oxycodone can depress the respirations. Someone who already struggles to breathe should not take anything that could depress the respirations further. Having lung cancer doesnt always mean a person has difficulty breathing. If the patient doesnt have difficulty breathing but has a lot of severe pain then they can take pain medications and sometimes if the pain is severe it may be decided the pain relief is worth the risk of respiratory depression. Drs generally consider risks vs. benefits when they prescribe a drug. All drugs have risk factors. This patients Dr has determined the benefits to the patient (pain relief) outweigh the risks (respiratory depression). The patient should be observed before and after taking the pain meds. Prior to taking the medications, the respirations should be counted for 1 minute. If he takes less than 12 breaths in that minute, the drug should be held and the Dr called for advice.

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Watch after taking the meds for decreased respirations and sedation. Also note the amount of pain relief. Again, if the respirations fall below 12/min the Dr should be notified. The 20mg dose is most likely a long acting preparation like OxyContin and the 5mg is an immediate release product for breakthrough pain to be given in the event the long acting preparation does not relieve all the pain or the pain "breaks through" before the 12 hour dosing schedule is up. As far as the hallucinations, it is hard to say. The drugs could possibly exacerbate the hallucinations. If you notice after giving the drug that the hallucinations seem to get worse, then just notify the Dr.