False Negative Oxycodone

[gram2five]

I have the same problem that thousands of others are up against.  I have tested negative for my oxycodone for the past two months.  I was told if there is a third negative I will no longer receive oral pain medications.  I take my pain meds as prescribed and I'm not sure what to do.  I have had some critical health issues that have landed me in ICU twice.  Since August 2010 I have been in the hospital 9 times.  I had a gastric bypass in Nov 2007 and had done well until last summer.  I developed a bleeding ulcer, lost down to 91 pounds and have been on several medications.  Many of them were antibiotics.  Is it possible that antibiotics would cause the false negative?  I've researched and found a few articles but nothing that pertains to Oxycodone.  If anyone has suggestions I would appreciate it.  I feel very much alone even though my husband is supportive.  Unless this happens to you I believe it is difficult to understand what this does to a person.  I'm happy I found this site, at least I know I'm not the only one that has this problem.  Thanks!

[lizzie1954]

My pharmacist mentioned Butrans a few months ago. What can you tell me about it? I have been on an off fenanyl for years and weaning myself off it is murder. I don't know how many times I have to go through this.All I know is each patch lasts 7 days, what is weaning like. What kind of medication is it? I am on 50 mcg's of fentanyl what would the conversion be to Butrans?
Thanks for the information.
Liz

[lee73010]

A few weeks ago I went to my Pain Doc for my back pain after being on Butrans.  My urine tested negative for opiates and so the doc sent my urine out for further testing.  My doc would only give me a 1 week Rx and it took longer to get the results of the test.  It really sucked sitting in his office after peeing in a cup and having my doc look at me like he did and talk like I was selling the patches or something.  Have you thought about getting your hair tested?

[horselip]

Hi there-
Sorry to hear about your false negative. I don't know a whole lot about this except for that I had to do a round of antibiotics (Zithromax) for bronchitis in April. On the medication instructions for the antibiotic, it clearly stated that there could be a drug interaction with Oxycontin. So I called my pharmacist, who, in turn, called my PCP. They said to continue with the meds and watch for changes. And call if I noticed a need for more or less pain medication. I did not in the end..

I just got a copy of my medical notes because I moved and needed them for my new doctor. I was reviewing them and saw that there was documentation of this is my record.

So my advice would be to be extra diligent now and call your PM doc if you need to take antibiotics or if you are hospitalized in the future. This is so that there is clear awareness of this. Also read the instructions on the antibiotics and keep them for your PM.

Also maybe your gastoenterologist can provide the hospitalization notes to your PM doc re the bleeding ulcer? I would think that this might affect absorption? It may be that even your gastric bypass affects absorption too? Perhaps your dosing needs to be changed to account for this. Can your gastro and PM talk? Just an idea.

Hope this helps.
Horselip