"i was recently prescribed ms contin for chronic pain from two failed shoulder surgeries and awaiting a third surgery.  i had been taking percocet for three years but it had become ineffective.  this medication is really  a wonderful solution.  i am relatively pain-free now.  it does take an hour or more for it to take effect even on an empty stomach.  i have had no side effects. it is more expensive but since it so effective i don&#039;t mind that.  i am a retired pa-c and understand chronic pain and pharmacology so i say thanks to drugs.com for the free access to all you need to know about your medications whether you are a practitioner or patient."