The M522 pill has emerged as a topic of concern and discussion within the field of pain management and substance use disorder. This white, oval pill, imprinted with M522 on one side and 7.5 325 on the other, is identified as a combination of Acetaminophen 325 mg and Oxycodone Hydrochloride 7.5 mg. Supplied by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, the product is known by its generic name—Oxycodone/Acetaminophen.

What is M522 Pill?

The M522 pill is a combination opioid analgesic that contains two active ingredients: Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride. Acetaminophen is a non-opioid pain reliever that helps reduce fever and alleviate mild to moderate pain, while Oxycodone is a potent opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain. The specific dosage on the M522 pill is 325 mg of Acetaminophen and 7.5 mg of Oxycodone.

For clarity, here is a brief summary of the pill’s key details:

Attribute Details
Imprint M522 on one side, “7.5 325” on the other
Active Ingredients Acetaminophen 325 mg and Oxycodone Hydrochloride 7.5 mg
Generic Name Oxycodone/Acetaminophen
Street Slang M522 percs
Manufacturer Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals

What is M522 Pill used for?

The primary therapeutic use of the M522 pill is to manage moderate to severe pain. When prescribed appropriately, the combination of Acetaminophen and Oxycodone provides effective pain relief by attacking pain through both non-opioid and opioid mechanisms. In a controlled clinical setting, patients experiencing acute pain due to surgery, injury, or chronic conditions may be prescribed this medication as part of a broader pain management plan.

However, it is essential to note that while the M522 pill can be highly effective when used as directed, its opioid component (Oxycodone) carries a high potential for addiction and abuse. Health care providers are advised to monitor patients closely and limit the duration of therapy to minimize the risk of opioid use disorder.

What are the side effects of M522 Pill and Abuse Potential

The use of the M522 pill is not without risks. Like other opioids,  Oxycodone in M522 pill can cause side effects such as;

  • drowsiness,
  • constipation,
  • nausea,
  • and respiratory depression.

These risks are compounded when the medication is misused or taken in higher doses than prescribed.

Acetaminophen increases the risk of liver damage if it’s abused.

Because of these dangers, the M522 pill has become a focus of concern for both medical professionals and regulatory agencies.

Dr. Nora Volkow of the National Institute on Drug Abuse has stated, “Opioids, when not used responsibly under strict medical supervision, can lead to life-threatening complications including overdose and addiction.”2

Street or slang names of M522 Pills are;

  • M522 percs
  • White devils
  • White boys
  • Tabs
  • Beans

Counterfeit M522 Pills in Drug Busts

Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly seized counterfeit opioid products that mimic authentic medications like the M522. These counterfeit pills are often manufactured in clandestine labs and distributed through illicit channels. They typically mimic the genuine appearance of the M522 pill  with exact size and cheap imprints—but their potency and purity are unpredictable, greatly increasing the risk of overdose which they may contaminated with fentanyl or bromazolam.

m522 counterfeit pills

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reported numerous busts involving counterfeit opioid pills, emphasizing the growing public health threat posed by these fake medications5.

M522 Pill Abuse and Addiction

The misuse of medications like the M522 pill is a significant contributor to the ongoing opioid crisis. When individuals use these pills recreationally or in a manner not prescribed by a doctor, they are at risk of developing substance use disorder. The addictive properties of Oxycodone, coupled with the potential for liver damage from Acetaminophen, create a dangerous combination.

We at Still Detox address opioid addiction from multiple angles and create a a multifaceted approach. This includes medically supervised detoxification, dual diagnosis to explore the underlying conditions and behavioral therapies such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and support groups to help individuals build a sustainable recovery plan.

As Dr. Volkow notes, “Effective treatment of opioid use disorder must address both the physical dependency and the psychological factors that drive drug-seeking behavior.”2

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid misuse or dependency, seeking help from a professional addiction treatment center is crucial. With comprehensive support that addresses both physical dependency and psychological factors, recovery is possible.

References

    1. National Institutes of Health. The Opioid Crisis: Understanding the Impact of Opioids on Brain Function. Available at: https://www.nih.gov.
    2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Opioid Addiction Research: Risks and Treatment Strategies. Available at: https://www.drugabuse.gov.
    3. Volkow, N. D. (2018). “Opioid Crisis: The Impact on the Brain’s Reward System.” American Journal of Psychiatry. Available at: https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org.
    4. Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. Product Information for Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride. Available at: https://www.mallinckrodt.com.
    5. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. DEA Press Releases on Counterfeit Opioid Pills. Available at: https://www.dea.gov.