Pink Oxycodone | Uses, Effects, & Warnings

Oxycodone hydrochloride is a semi-synthetic opioid drug and Schedule II controlled substance made by modifying thebaine, a natural alkaloid produced by opium poppies.

This process ultimately produces an opioid/opiate drug that is around twice as potent as morphine and is suitable for use in various opioid pain medications. 

These include brand-name and generic products, single-ingredient immediate-release and extended-release medications, and combination medications made with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Among all of these different products, K 56 pills, also known as pink oxycodone, are some of the most well-known and sought after by those who abuse prescription opioids.

What Is Pink Oxycodone?

Pink oxycodone is a non-branded form of oxycodone manufactured by the pharmaceutical company KVK-Tech, Inc. 

Dosage & Formulation

Pink oxycodone has a dosage of 10 milligrams and is produced as pink round pills scored down the center with the letter K imprinted on the left of the score, and the number 56 imprinted on the right.

In contrast with OxyContin, another well-known brand name opioid analgesic medication, K 56 tablets are immediate-release medications that deliver their entire dose all at once with a shorter overall length of effect. 

This makes them attractive in situations where patients need faster or as-needed relief.

Note that other dosages of this same medication are also available in different shapes and colors with their own distinctive markings.

Uses

Immediate-release oxycodone pills are usually prescribed only to those facing temporary severe pain from accidents or surgery.

Those struggling with chronic pain from cancer, back injuries, or other medical conditions are more commonly treated with extended-release medications like OxyContin, which provide a higher total dosage spread out over a longer duration of effect.

Effects Of Pink Oxycodone

Taken orally, the effects of oxycodone tablets begin within 10-30 minutes and last for 3-6 hours, though drug tests can reveal the presence and use of oxycodone for a period of time afterward.

In the body, the medication binds to specific opioid receptors located in the central nervous system, particularly those in the spine and brain. Mimicking the body’s natural endorphins, but with greater potency, oxycodone acts as a depressant and changes how the body responds to pain and stress.

As a result, oxycodone can have a wide variety of different effects and side effects, especially with high doses or prolonged use. These can include:

• analgesia (pain relief)
• drowsiness
• nausea and vomiting
• constipation
• dry mouth
• weakness
• sweating
• lightheadedness
• dizziness
• changes in body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing

Warnings & Risks Of Pink Oxycodone

When used as directed, oxycodone medications are generally safe and effective. However, these drugs do come with certain risks that need to be weighed and considered by prescribing healthcare providers and patients alike.

These potential risks include:

• severe side effects or adverse reactions
• development of drug tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms with prolonged use
• a high potential for diversion, drug abuse, and addiction
• mental and physical impairment and sedation that could cause falls, motor vehicle crashes, and other accidental injury
• risks related to certain pre-existing medical conditions (head injuries, liver or kidney disease, breathing problems, stomach or intestinal problems, and others)
• risks related to pregnancy and breastfeeding
• drug interactions, particularly with other CNS depressants including alcohol, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and anesthetics
• potential for drug overdose which may cause life-threatening respiratory depression (slow, shallow, or stopped breathing)

Oxycodone overdose can be treated using naloxone (Narcan), which is available over the counter as a nasal spray and is freely provided by many Ohio organizations to those who request it. 

Always treat any suspected overdose as a medical emergency, providing first aid to the victim and calling 911 for emergency medical response as quickly as possible.

What Is Fake Pink Oxycodone?

Because immediate-release opioid medications take effect faster than extended-release drugs and may not have tamper-resistant features, these medications are frequently sought after by those who abuse opioids recreationally.

To exploit this demand, covert international labs, and drug traffickers have taken to counterfeiting immediate-release oxycodone pills and many other trusted prescription drugs. 

Dangerous Ingredients 

These fake medications often feature dangerous ingredients like the highly potent synthetic opioid drug fentanyl, which is as much as fifty times stronger than authentic oxycodone by weight, or experimental opioid alternatives like U-47700 (street name “pink” or “pinky”).

These counterfeits may contain excessive doses of their active ingredients and are extremely dangerous, driving numerous opioid overdoses throughout the different regions where they have emerged.

Because of this danger, all members of the public are urged to only ever use medications obtained from legitimate pharmacies, and then only to use them strictly as directed, disposing of any unused meds safely.

Oxycodone Addiction Treatment

The effects of oxycodone can be notoriously addictive. However, professional treatment services are available to help you or your loved ones move past oxycodone dependence and addiction and build a better, healthier lifestyle.

At Ohio Recovery Center, our opioid recovery services include:

• medical detox
• inpatient rehabilitation
• behavioral therapy
• dual diagnosis care
• medication-assisted treatment
• aftercare support

Please contact us today to learn more.