Targin (Oxycodone/Naloxone): A Patient Guide for Pain Care
Also known as: Targin · Targiniq · Oxycodone with naloxone
Targin is a strong prescription pain medicine that combines an opioid with a second ingredient intended to reduce opioid-related bowel problems. It is only considered for selected people with persistent severe pain, and it carries real risks. This page explains it in plain language so you can have an informed conversation with the clinician prescribing it.
Calm, careful medication review by a consultant rheumatologist.
Targin is a controlled prescription medicine. Whether it is available, licensed and appropriate in your situation is decided by the treating clinician who knows your full history. This page is general education only and is not a recommendation that you take it.
What this medicine is
Targin is a prolonged-release tablet containing two medicines. Oxycodone is a strong opioid pain medicine. Naloxone is an opioid blocker that acts mainly in the gut, where it is intended to reduce opioid-related bowel dysfunction, in other words the constipation that opioids typically cause. Very little naloxone reaches the rest of the body when the tablet is swallowed whole, so it does not block the pain relief. Importantly, the naloxone does not remove the other opioid risks: sedation, slowed breathing, tolerance, dependence, withdrawal and overdose all still apply. Prolonged-release means the medicine is released slowly over hours, so the tablet must be swallowed whole.
Uses and context
In pain care, an opioid such as Targin may be considered only for selected persistent severe pain that has not responded adequately to other treatment, and where the expected benefit outweighs the risks for that individual. It is not a first step, it is not a treatment for inflammation, and it is not appropriate for everyone. In rheumatology, most long-term pain is better served by treating the underlying disease, nerve-pain medicines where relevant, physiotherapy, graded activity and sleep. When an opioid is used, the aim is a defined purpose, a review date, and a plan for stopping.
How this relates to rheumatology care
What improvement to expect: a realistic goal is a modest, measurable improvement in pain and, more importantly, in what you can do, not complete pain relief. If function does not improve, continuing an opioid is rarely justified. Prolonged-release tablets are taken at regular intervals rather than only when pain strikes, and the prescriber sets the strength and timing, which is why I do not publish dose schedules. I review at every visit whether it is still helping, whether side effects are acceptable, and whether the amount can be reduced. Because tolerance can develop, needing more over time is not a reason to simply increase it; it is a reason to reassess. Stopping is always gradual and planned, never abrupt.
What safety checks may matter
A clear reason for the opioid, an agreed goal in terms of function, and a planned review date
Full medicine list, especially benzodiazepines, sleeping tablets, pregabalin or gabapentin, antihistamines and other sedatives
History of breathing problems, sleep apnoea, severe constipation or bowel obstruction, and liver or kidney disease
History of alcohol use and of dependence on any medicine or substance
Bowel function reviewed at every visit, and a laxative plan if needed despite the naloxone
Drowsiness, dizziness and falls risk reviewed, particularly in older adults
Regular review of whether the amount can be reduced, with a written tapering plan
Safe storage away from children and others, and safe disposal of unused tablets
Side effects and red flags
If you have emergency symptoms such as severe allergic reaction, breathing difficulty, chest pain, stroke-like symptoms, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, sudden vision loss, severe infection symptoms, or severe weakness or confusion, please seek urgent medical care first rather than waiting for a WhatsApp reply.
Slow, shallow or laboured breathing
Being unable to wake someone, or extreme drowsiness
Blue or grey lips, face or fingertips
Collapse or loss of consciousness
Severe confusion or hallucinations
Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as facial or tongue swelling or rash with difficulty breathing
Severe abdominal pain with no bowel movement and vomiting
Things worth knowing day to day
Swallow prolonged-release tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, break or split them unless the specific product instructions say it is allowed, because that can release the whole amount at once and cause a dangerous overdose.
Never combine with alcohol. Never add benzodiazepines, sleeping tablets, pregabalin, gabapentin or other sedatives without telling the prescriber, because together they can dangerously slow breathing.
Constipation, nausea, dizziness and sleepiness are common. Tell me if they persist, and do not simply stop the medicine on your own.
Tolerance, dependence and withdrawal are real. Do not stop suddenly; withdrawal can cause sweating, restlessness, cramps, diarrhoea, poor sleep and worse pain. Reductions are gradual and planned.
Do not drive or use machinery until you know how it affects you, and never after a change in the amount, or with alcohol or sedatives.
Never share this medicine, and never take someone else's. An amount that is tolerated by one person can be fatal for another.
In pregnancy, planned pregnancy or breastfeeding, opioids need specialist discussion first. Ongoing opioid use in pregnancy can cause withdrawal in the newborn.
Tell any doctor, dentist, surgeon or anaesthetist that you take an opioid before any procedure.
Questions patients often ask me about this medicine
Speak with me
If Targin has been suggested for you, or you are already taking a strong opioid and want an honest review of whether it is still the right choice, please message my clinic. I will look at your pain, your function and safer alternatives with you.
Other medications used in rheumatology care
This page is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Do not start, stop, or change any medicine without advice from your doctor.