Percocet Pill Identifier Colors, Imprints, and Strengths

Key Takeaways

• Percocet combines two pain relievers — oxycodone and acetaminophen — to manage moderate to severe pain. It’s a prescription-only medication that must be used carefully under medical supervision because misuse can lead to dependence, overdose, or addiction.

• Each Percocet tablet has a unique color and imprint that identifies its strength and manufacturer. For example, the brand-name 5 mg tablets are blue, while the 10 mg tablets are yellow. Generic versions may look different, but every legitimate pill carries a clear imprint code approved by the FDA or listed on DailyMed.

• Visual checks protect you from counterfeit pills and dosing errors. Verifying color, shape, and imprint before taking any dose ensures safety, especially since fake oxycodone pills containing fentanyl are increasingly common in the U.S.

Percocet Pill Identification:

Why Does Identifying Each Pill Matter?

Knowing exactly which pill you have matters for safety and peace of mind.

Overdosing risk:

First, it prevents dosing mistakes. A pill that looks wrong might not contain the medication or strength you expect. 

Taking a stronger dose unknowingly can cause overdose; taking a weaker or different medication might leave pain untreated or lead to withdrawal. 

Ensuring you have the correct pill avoids under- or over-medicating.

Counterfeit Risk:

Second, the counterfeit risk makes this crucial. In recent years, authorities have seized millions of fake pills made to look like oxycodone products. 

The DEA’s “One Pill Can Kill” campaign warns that in 2024 alone, over 60 million fentanyl-laced fake pills were seized – equivalent to 380 million lethal doses of fentanyl [1].

These fakes often mimic legitimate opioids like Percocet in appearance. Without checking the imprint and packaging, a person could easily take a counterfeit pill and suffer a fatal overdose [4]. In other words, distinguishing genuine Percocet pills from fakes could be a matter of life and death.

Consistency:

Third, consistency and trust in treatment are important. Many patients get anxious if their medication looks different from before. 

By identifying pills correctly, you can stay confident in your therapy and avoid needless worry. 

Accurate identification also helps family members or caregivers to safely manage medications for someone in pain or recovering from surgery.

How Can I Identify Percocet Correctly?

Use a trusted pill identification resource. 

• The FDA’s DailyMed database (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov) provides official drug labels with color/shape info. You can also ask your pharmacist to verify the imprint and appearance. 

• Many pharmacy websites and hotlines offer pill ID services – but always double-check with official sources or professionals. 

• Do not rely on looks alone, as even experienced people can’t tell a real pill from a fake just by sight

The safest way to identify a Percocet tablet is by checking four key features of the pill:

• Color: Take note of the tablet or capsule color. Percocet tablets come in specific colors depending on the strength and brand (for example, brand-name Percocet tablets are color-coded by dose). If the pill is a totally different color than expected, that’s a red flag.

• Shape: Percocet may be round, oval, or capsule-shaped. Some strengths are scored (with a break line), others are smooth. Knowing the expected shape for your dose helps spot mistakes.

• Imprint code: Every legitimate tablet has a unique imprint (letters, numbers, or logos pressed into it). The imprint is the most reliable identifier. 

For instance, a generic Percocet 5/325 mg may be white and stamped with “512”, whereas a 7.5/325 mg pill might be stamped “M522” and “7.5/325”. 

Brand-name Percocet tablets actually say “PERCOCET” plus the strength number. You should compare the imprint exactly – even the font or arrangement matters.

• Scoring: Some tablets have a score line (to break them). For example, generic 5 mg Percocet tablets are round and scored. The presence (or absence) of a score line that you expect is another check. If your pill says it’s scored but isn’t, that’s unusual.

What Do the Official Colors, Shapes, and Imprints Look Like?

Every authentic Percocet tablet—brand-name or generic—carries distinct visual identifiers that help you confirm its dosage and authenticity.

Colors

The color of a Percocet tablet often reflects its dosage strength and the manufacturer that produced it.

• Pink tablets represent the 2.5 mg/325 mg strength and are oval-shaped.

• Blue tablets identify the 5 mg/325 mg dose and are round, typically with a bisect line.

• Peach or light orange tablets correspond to the 7.5 mg/325 mg version.

• Yellow tablets indicate the 10 mg/325 mg strength — the highest available in the Percocet line.

• White or off-white tablets are commonly found among generic versions made by manufacturers such as Mallinckrodt or SpecGX.

If your pill appears outside these color ranges — for example, green, red, or bright orange — treat it as suspicious and confirm authenticity with a pharmacist or through official databases like the FDA’s pill identification resource.

Shape

The shape of a Percocet tablet also varies depending on the strength and brand.

• Oval or capsule-shaped tablets are typically seen in higher doses such as 7.5 mg and 10 mg. These may appear elongated or beveled to distinguish them from lower strengths.

• Round tablets are usually lower doses, such as 2.5 mg or 5 mg. Some include a scored line to assist with splitting under medical supervision.

• Caplet designs are more common among generics (like Mallinckrodt’s M522 and M523), shaped for easier swallowing.

While differences between manufacturers are normal, irregular edges, uneven coating, or poor-quality printing are all signs of possible counterfeit production.

Imprints

The imprint code is the most critical identifier on any Percocet tablet. Every FDA-approved tablet has a unique imprint that reveals its dosage, brand, and manufacturer[2].

For example, brand-name tablets often include the word “PERCOCET” followed by the strength, such as “PERCOCET 5” or “PERCOCET 10/325.”

Generics may use alphanumeric codes like “512,” “M522,” or “M523,” while Endocet tablets (another Endo product) may be marked with “E700” or “E712.”

These letters and numbers are engraved or debossed — not printed — and should be clear and evenly pressed. If a pill’s imprint appears faded, off-center, or missing entirely, it should never be taken. This is often a warning sign of counterfeit manufacturing.

Below are known, FDA-verified descriptions for some common Percocet products. These are real examples of what genuine pills look like[3]. Always compare your pill against reliable sources or your pharmacy’s description:

Why Might My Pills Look Different Between Refills?

It’s very common for pills of the same medication and strength to look different from one refill to the next. This usually happens because of different manufacturers or batches, not because your medicine is wrong. 

In the U.S., when a patent expires, many companies make generic versions. By law, generics must contain the same active ingredients and strength, but they do not have to look the same. 

In fact, trademark rules prevent generic pills from being an exact replica of brand-name ones. So the FDA allows differences in color, shape, or scoring as long as the medicine works the same.

For example, one month your pharmacy might give you Mallinckrodt’s generic (white oval M523 10/325), and the next refill, they might provide a generic from another company (perhaps a yellow tablet with a different code). 

Both have 10 mg oxycodone/325 mg acetaminophen, but they look different. 

Also, brand-name Percocet itself uses different colors for each dose (blue for 5 mg, yellow for 10 mg, etc. So if your pain was reduced and the doctor changed your dose, the pill color will change accordingly.

What Are the Warning Signs of Counterfeit Pills?

1. Unusual Color, Shape, or Markings
Be cautious if your pill:

• Has a different shade (e.g., green or gray instead of pink, yellow, or blue)

• Shows a misspelled imprint code, inconsistent font, or missing numbers

• Has extra logos or faint lettering that looks off from what you normally receive

The FDA advises consumers to ask: “Does the drug or packaging look different than what you normally receive?”.

2. Strange or Unexpected Side Effects

If a pill is counterfeit, it may contain too much, too little, or none of the intended active ingredient — or even a different drug entirely. Watch for:

• Unusual drowsiness, confusion, or euphoria stronger than normal

• No pain relief at all, suggesting the pill is inactive

• New allergic reactions or sudden nausea

3. Unverified Source

Avoid any Percocet obtained from:

• Online marketplaces or social media (not verified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy)

• Friends, acquaintances, or street sales

• “Discount” websites offering pills without prescriptions

4. Inconsistent Strength or Effect

Fake Percocet pills may contain the wrong dosage — sometimes no oxycodone at all, or in other cases, lethal fentanyl concentrations. You cannot determine this by appearance alone.

5. Packaging That Doesn’t Look Right

Legitimate prescriptions come in sealed, labeled containers with:

• The pharmacy’s name and phone number

• The patient’s name and prescriber information

• A clear lot number and expiration date

What Should I Do If I Suspect a Counterfeit or Wrong Pill?

1. Stop taking it immediately. Don’t consume any more pills that look suspicious.

2. Compare the imprint with a reliable source. 

Use the FDA’s DailyMed database or consult a pharmacist to verify the code and description. If the imprint or appearance doesn’t match an official listing for Percocet, treat it as a suspect.

3. Call your healthcare provider or pharmacist. 

Explain the situation and describe the pill (or show a photo). They can often confirm whether the pill matches your prescription. If it doesn’t, they will advise the next steps.

4. Consider Poison Control or emergency help if needed. 

If you or someone else has already taken the suspicious pill and is feeling unwell (especially with severe symptoms like trouble breathing or extreme drowsiness), call 911 immediately.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Identifying your Percocet correctly isn’t just about recognizing colors or imprints — it’s about protecting your safety and peace of mind. Because counterfeit oxycodone pills are increasingly common, taking a moment to verify every tablet helps prevent dangerous mistakes.

If something about your medication feels off — color, shape, or imprint — pause before taking it. Confirm details with your pharmacist or check reliable databases like DailyMed or the FDA’s pill identifier.

Always keep Percocet securely stored, never share it with others, and dispose of leftovers safely. If you suspect misuse, dependence, or an overdose risk, reach out for help immediately. Support, treatment, and recovery are available — and getting the right information today can prevent a tragedy tomorrow.

Your vigilance saves lives. Stay informed, stay cautious, and always verify before you take.

If you need help with pill identification or drug rehab, our experts at Better Addiction Care can help.