What Does Percocet Look Like?

Percocet pills come in a number of colors and shapes with different imprints.

The combination of oxycodone/acetaminophen (brand name Percocet) is an opioid prescription drug used as a pain reliever for those suffering from moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone is otherwise known as the brand name OxyContin while acetaminophen’s brand name is Tylenol.

Percocet, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is a Schedule II controlled substance, and opioid use or abuse may lead to physical dependence. 

Identifying Percocet Pills

There are a number of ways to identify Percocet pills. There may also be counterfeit Percocet available on the illicit drug market, which increases the risk of fatal overdose when taken.

Prescription Percocet pills are offered in a number of colors and shapes and provide imprints of the various strengths of the pill.

Yellow Percocet

Yellow Percocet is primarily prescribed for pain. This oval-shaped or elliptical pill is offered in the highest strength to assist those in chronic pain. This Percocet pill contains 10 mg of oxycodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen.

On one side of the pill, “Percocet” is written. The other side of the pill reveals the strength, in a format such as “10/325.”

Blue Percocet

The DEA states blue oxycodone pills are round in shape and come imprinted. 

On one side of the blue Percocet, there is a “Percocet” imprint while the opposite side of the pill will be numbered according to the strength of the drug, which can be 5 mg of oxycodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen, typically only showing the strength of the pill.

Pink Percocet

Pink Percocet is offered as an elliptical or oval pill, with 2.5 mg of oxycodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen. The pill has an imprint of “Percocet” on one side with the strength imprinted on the opposite side.

How To Identify Counterfeit Percocet Pills

Unfortunately, Percocet can be counterfeited and then purchased on the illicit drug market. This is just one of the many reasons why it’s important to know what legitimate Percocet pills look like, especially if you purchase the painkiller off the street.

Lighter, Toned Down Color

Counterfeit Percocet, according to the DEA, may appear as a lighter blue pill compared to the original. All colors of Percocet may seem slightly differently and toned down compared to the darker, more pronounced colors of authentic Percocet.

Heavily Defined Imprint

Also, the imprint on a counterfeit pill is clearly and heavily defined, whereas authentic Percocet pills do not have as deep of indentations. The counterfeit Percocet may be offered in a round shape, mimicking the original medication.

Fentanyl Test Strip

Identifying counterfeit pills by look alone is risky, and the best way to confirm a pill has been faked is to use a fentanyl test strip.

Side Effects Of Percocet Use

Percocet is a strong prescription opioid drug which binds to the opioid receptors in the brain, depressing the central nervous system (CNS). There are common side effects of Percocet, as well as more severe symptoms.

Some of the side effects of Percocet can include:

• sedation
• feelings of euphoria
• drowsiness
• constipation
• dry mouth
• headache

In addition to this, those who abuse Percocet may experience life-threatening health problems, especially if a Percocet pill is counterfeit. Those who participate in Percocet abuse may experience:

• increase in heart rate
• increase in blood pressure
• cold or clammy skin
• unresponsiveness
• withdrawal symptoms
• respiratory depression
• muscle weakness
• opioid overdose

Opioid Overdose

According to the DEA, if only a few traces of the synthetic opioid drug fentanyl are accidentally combined with counterfeit pills you obtain illegally, it can lead to an overdose death.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states the medication naloxone can be helpful in reversing effects of an opioid overdose. 

If you suspect an overdose has taken place, contact 911 immediately. Naloxone may be administered once you arrive at the emergency room.

Percocet Addiction Treatment

Those with a Percocet addiction may require substance use disorder treatment. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug use, healthcare professionals can help at an inpatient or outpatient treatment center.

To learn how our medical professionals treat Percocet addiction in an inpatient setting, or how our evidence-based treatment options help individuals and families overcome opioid addiction, please contact Ohio Recovery Center today.