Oxycodone is a potent opioid pain medication prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain. It works by altering how the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Understanding the appearance of a 30 mg oxycodone pill is important for identification.
Identifying Oxycodone 30 mg Pills
Legitimate 30 mg oxycodone pills commonly share several physical characteristics. They are typically small and round. The most recognized color for this dosage is blue.
Specific imprints are present on authentic pills to identify the manufacturer and dosage. For instance, “A 215” is common on blue, round tablets from Actavis/Teva. Another frequent imprint is an “M” within a square or box, often seen on blue, round pills from Mallinckrodt, with “30” on the reverse side. KVK Tech Inc. also produces a blue, round 30 mg oxycodone tablet, distinguished by the imprint “K 9”.
Variations in Appearance
While the “blue, round” appearance with specific imprints is common, legitimate pills can vary by manufacturer. A medication’s appearance can differ by manufacturer, as generic companies use distinct colors, shapes, or imprints for the same drug and dosage.
For example, some legitimate 30 mg oxycodone pills may have slight differences in shade or dimensions. These minor differences do not indicate a fake pill but rather a different authorized source. Counterfeit pills are a concern, often mimicking authentic ones but displaying inconsistencies like blurry imprints or irregular shapes.
Why Accurate Identification Matters
Correctly identifying any pill, especially an opioid like oxycodone, is important due to health risks. Taking an unknown or misidentified substance can lead to accidental overdose. Opioids directly affect the central nervous system, slowing breathing and leading to respiratory depression, coma, or death if too high a dose is consumed or mixed with other substances.
Drug interactions pose a danger, as an unknown pill could react negatively with other medications. A grave risk is the prevalence of counterfeit pills, which often look like legitimate oxycodone but contain fentanyl, a synthetic opioid more potent than oxycodone. Fentanyl in illicitly manufactured pills contributes to fatal overdoses, as individuals unknowingly consume a more dangerous substance.
Steps for Unidentified Pills
If you encounter a pill and cannot identify it, do not consume it. Consuming an unknown substance carries unpredictable risks.
To identify an unknown pill, consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist. They have access to pill identification resources and can provide accurate information. Reliable online pill identifiers can be used as a preliminary step, but they are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
For safe disposal of unknown or unneeded medications, utilize drug take-back programs, including medication disposal kiosks at pharmacies or law enforcement agencies, or DEA-sponsored National Prescription Drug Take Back Days. If these options are not readily available, mix the pills with an unappealing substance like dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds. Place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it in household trash. Remove or obscure personal information from prescription labels on empty containers before disposal.