What oxycodone tablets look like

Oxycodone tablets come in several shapes, sizes, and colors depending on the dose and manufacturer. Most are round or oval, ranging from small (about the size of a baby aspirin) to larger tablets. The most common colors are white, yellow, or light tan, though some formulations are pink or other shades. Every legitimate oxycodone tablet has an imprint — a code stamped or embossed into the surface — that identifies the dose, manufacturer, and whether it's when ready-release or extended-release.

The imprint is the most reliable way to identify an oxycodone tablet. when ready-release oxycodone (the kind that works quickly) typically shows a number like 5, 10, 15, or 30, often paired with letters or additional numbers. Extended-release oxycodone (branded as OxyContin) usually has "OC" or "OP" followed by the dose. If you have a tablet with no imprint, a faded imprint, or an imprint that doesn't match any known oxycodone product, it is not a legitimate pharmaceutical tablet.

Key Takeaways

  • Oxycodone tablets are round or oval and typically white, yellow, tan, or pink depending on the dose and maker.
  • Every real oxycodone tablet has an imprint — a stamped code — that shows the dose and manufacturer; no imprint means it is not a legitimate tablet.
  • when ready-release oxycodone shows a dose number (5, 10, 15, or 30) with letters or additional numbers; extended-release shows "OC" or "OP" plus the dose.
  • You can verify an imprint by searching the FDA's pill identifier database or asking a pharmacist, which is free and takes minutes.

Common when ready-release oxycodone tablets and their markings

when ready-release oxycodone comes in 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, and 30 mg doses. A 5 mg tablet is often white and round with an imprint like "54 612" or "ETHEX 005." The 10 mg version is frequently white or yellow, round or oval, and may show "54 092" or similar. A 15 mg tablet is typically white and round with markings such as "54 092" or "K 56." The 30 mg dose is usually white or light yellow, round or oval, and commonly marked "54 092" or "K 57."

These imprints vary by manufacturer — Mallinckrodt, Actavis, Endo, and others all produce oxycodone under license, and each uses different codes. The dose number is always present, but the accompanying letters and numbers differ. If you need to confirm what a tablet is, write down the exact imprint (including all numbers and letters, and which side they appear on) and search the FDA's National Library of Medicine pill identifier at nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pillidentifier.html, or show it to a pharmacist.

Extended-release oxycodone (OxyContin) appearance

Extended-release oxycodone is sold under the brand name OxyContin and comes in 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg doses. These tablets are designed to release medication slowly over 12 hours. They are round or oval and typically white, though some doses are light yellow or tan. The imprint always includes "OC" or "OP" followed by the dose number — for example, "OC 20" for a 20 mg tablet or "OP 40" for a 40 mg tablet.

OxyContin tablets are noticeably thicker and harder than when ready-release tablets because of their special coating. They should never be crushed, chewed, or dissolved, as doing so destroys the time-release mechanism and can cause overdose. If you find a tablet marked "OC" or "OP," treat it as extended-release and handle it accordingly.

Why imprints matter and how to use them

The imprint on a tablet is a legal requirement for all prescription medications in the United States. It serves two purposes: it allows you and your pharmacist to verify you received the correct medication, and it helps poison control or emergency responders identify a tablet if someone has taken an unknown substance. A tablet without an imprint, or with a faded or incorrect imprint, should never be taken.

If you receive oxycodone from a pharmacy and the tablets look different from what you expected — different color, shape, or imprint — ask the pharmacist before you leave. Pharmacies sometimes switch manufacturers to reduce cost, which is legal and normal, but the tablet appearance will change. Your pharmacist can confirm the new tablet is the same dose and formulation. If the imprint does not match any known oxycodone product when you search it, do not take it and contact your pharmacy or doctor when ready.

Spotting counterfeit or pressed tablets

Counterfeit oxycodone tablets exist and are increasingly common. They are often made to look like legitimate 30 mg tablets but contain fentanyl, heroin, or other substances instead of oxycodone. Counterfeit tablets may have imprints that are slightly off — blurry, uneven, or not quite matching the real version — or may be the wrong weight or thickness. They may also crumble easily, have a different texture, or smell unusual.

If you obtain oxycodone outside a pharmacy (from a friend, online source, or street source), there is no way to know what is actually in it without laboratory testing. If you are concerned about a tablet's authenticity, you can use a free fentanyl test strip to check for the presence of fentanyl, which is available from harm reduction organizations and some public health departments. If you suspect you have received counterfeit medication from a pharmacy, contact your state's pharmacy board or the FDA.

What to do if you cannot identify a tablet

If you have a tablet you cannot identify, do not guess and do not take it. Write down the imprint exactly as it appears — include all numbers and letters, note which side of the tablet it is on, and describe the color, shape, and size. Then search the FDA's pill identifier database at nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pillidentifier.html. Enter the imprint code and the database will show you what the tablet is, the dose, and the manufacturer.

If the search returns no results, or if the tablet has no imprint at all, take it to a pharmacist. Pharmacists can identify tablets by appearance and imprint and can tell you whether it is a legitimate medication. This service is free and takes only a few minutes. If you received the tablet from a pharmacy and it does not match your prescription, contact the pharmacy when ready — this may indicate a dispensing error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can oxycodone tablets look completely different and still be the same medication?

Yes. Pharmacies may switch manufacturers to reduce cost, and each manufacturer uses different colors, shapes, and imprints. As long as the imprint matches a known oxycodone product and the dose is correct, the tablet is legitimate. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure after a switch.

What does a fake oxycodone tablet look like?

Counterfeit tablets may have blurry or uneven imprints, be the wrong weight or thickness, crumble easily, or have an unusual smell or texture. The only way to be certain is laboratory testing. If you obtained a tablet outside a pharmacy, assume it may be counterfeit.

Is it safe to take a tablet if I am not 100 percent sure what it is?

No. If you cannot identify a tablet with certainty, do not take it. Use the FDA pill identifier or ask a pharmacist first. Taking an unknown tablet carries serious risk, especially if it is counterfeit and contains fentanyl or another potent substance.

Why do oxycodone tablets have imprints if they are prescription-only?

Imprints allow you to verify you received the correct medication from your pharmacy, help emergency responders identify a substance if needed, and make it easier to catch dispensing errors. They are required by law for all prescription medications.