Oxycodone is the generic name for a powerful narcotic that works as an analgesic or ‘pain reliever’, particularly if you suffer from chronic pain. It is also commonly referred to by its brand name “Oxycotin.” Long term side effects of Oxycodone use can have grave consequences once a person’s dependence on the drug begins. These effects include: Addiction, Effects on testosterone levels in men, and vital organ damage.
Addiction
According to Merriam Webster (m-w.com, 2014) an addiction is: a strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as a drug) or do something (such as gamble). The danger posed from the long term side effects of Oxycodone; it is almost impossible to wean yourself off of the drug once you become physically addicted. Current statistics show that less than five percent of Oxycodone addicts will ever successfully find sobriety, and even more frightening, that they will turn to less expensive alternatives such as heroin.
Long Term Side Effects of Oxycodone on Testosterone Levels in Men
Recent studies indicate the negative long term side-effects of Oxycodone on testosterone levels in men are alarming. In a recent study ninety percent of cancer survivors receiving the drug for chronic pain had low or no testosterone secretion as opposed to only forty percent of the control group. According to the article in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, “Long-acting opioids such as… oxycodone for the treatment of chronic pain often result in opioid-induced androgen deficiency (OPIAD).” (A Practical Guide to Male Hypogonadism in the Primary Care Setting, May 2010) The concern reaches epic proportions when you consider the number of young men taking the narcotic for chronic pain. There is treatment, but it includes long term testosterone therapy.
Vital Organ Damage
Oxycodone can cause organ damage, addiction and other side effects on the long term.
Oxycodone is processed through the liver and kidneys, creating a burden on both, particularly with extended high dosage use. Liver damage can occur when the enzymes you need to process the medication are in a sense ‘stolen’ from other filtering duties. Long term side effects can include obstruction of bile from your liver and in extreme cases hepatitis.
The kidneys begin eliminating the medication after it passes through the liver and can place a burden on your kidneys in much the same way. No current studies showing conclusive damage was readily available, however another side effect of the medication can be dehydration, which puts additional undue stress on kidneys already straining under the effect of eliminating the medication.
Conclusion
The medical community is finding that chronic pain treatment is not without its risks. Finding a balance of relief without allowing the long term side effects of Oxycodone to disrupt quality of life is at best in an infancy of discovery. Patient education can only provide a glimpse of the totality of Oxycodone’s effect on the patient’s mental and physical health, their family, and their sphere of influence. It is imperative that mitigation, particularly as regards the addictive properties of the medication be resolved.
Are Oxycodone and Percocet the Same? -
Percocet is a highly addictive prescription painkiller consisting of oxycodone and acetaminophen. 
10 Oxycodone Side Effects to Look Out For -
Are you suffering from moderate to severe pain, such as the result of a surgery? If so, your doctor may prescribe the painkiller oxycodone. While this drug has been used for many years to help control pain, it can be very addictive. Many patients begin using oxycodone as prescribed by their doctor, but are unable ... 
Street Names -
Oxycodone is found in a variety of different medications including Roxicodone, Oxycontin and Percocet. Most of the time, the street names used to describe Oxycodone are directly relevant to the specific type of drug that is being used. For instance, if Roxicodone is being used the street names may include Roxi, Blues or IR. Why is it ... 
History -
Oxycodone is a synthetic drug that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of pain that is moderate or severe. Painkillers such as Percocet, Percodan, Roxicodone, Roxicet and Oxycontin all contain Oxycodone in some formulation often paired with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. The drug was first synthesized in Germany in 1916 but was not widely used or even made ... 
Uses -
Oxycodone is an opiate analgesic that is synthesized from thebaine which comes from the poppy plant. Because this drug is an opiate, it has a high potential for abuse and use of the drug may be habit forming. Oxycodone is primarily used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain such as the pain that may be ...