Oxycodone is a potent opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain. It acts on the central nervous system to alter pain perception. Classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its potency and misuse potential, accurately identifying legitimate 30 mg pills is important.
Physical Characteristics of Oxycodone 30mg
Legitimate oxycodone 30 mg tablets are typically small, round, and blue, though shades and specific attributes vary by manufacturer. Shades can range from light to sky blue.
One common manufacturer, Mallinckrodt, produces a blue, round 6mm tablet with the imprint “M” inside a square on one side and “30” on the other. Another version, from Actavis Pharma, Inc., is a blue, round tablet debossed with “A215” on one side, which may also feature a bisecting line. These imprints are typically clear, distinct, and consistent across all tablets from a specific manufacturer.
The texture of a genuine oxycodone 30 mg pill is generally smooth and solid. It is a well-formed tablet designed not to crumble easily under normal handling. Any deviations from these expected physical characteristics could indicate a potentially compromised or illicit product.
Understanding Counterfeit Pills
The illicit drug market frequently produces counterfeit pills mimicking legitimate oxycodone 30 mg tablets. These fake pills pose a serious public health danger, often containing lethal amounts of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. They may also contain other hazardous substances like methamphetamine.
Identifying counterfeits is challenging because they often look nearly identical to authentic pills, including similar colors and markings. However, inconsistencies like uneven color, irregular shapes or sizes, blurry or incorrect imprints, or a chalky, easily crumbling texture can be signs of a fake product.
The unpredictable composition of illicitly manufactured pills poses a significant danger; seven out of ten fentanyl-laced pills contain a potentially lethal dose. Any pill not obtained from a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription should be regarded with extreme suspicion. It is impossible to definitively distinguish a real pill from a counterfeit without laboratory testing.
Safe Handling and Disposal
If you encounter an unidentified or suspicious pill, exercise caution. Avoid direct skin contact, especially if fentanyl contamination is suspected; use gloves or a bag for handling. Never consume any pill not prescribed to you and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.
The safest method for disposing of unwanted or expired oxycodone, or any suspicious pills, is through a drug take-back program. Many pharmacies, hospitals, and police departments offer secure drop-off boxes for year-round disposal. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also sponsors National Prescription Drug Take Back Days, providing temporary collection sites in communities across the country.
If a take-back option is not readily available, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides guidelines for household disposal. For medications like oxycodone, which are on the FDA’s flush list due to their potential harm if accidentally ingested, flushing is an option if no take-back program is accessible. Otherwise, most medications can be mixed with an undesirable substance like dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds, placed in a sealed bag or container, and then discarded in the household trash. Before discarding any packaging, ensure all personal information is removed or obscured to protect privacy. For any questions regarding suspicious pills or proper disposal, contacting local law enforcement or a healthcare professional is recommended.