Oxymorphone hydrochloride

Brand names: Opana ER

Why is Oxymorphone hydrochloride prescribed?

Opana ER is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain in people needing around-the-clock opioid treatment for a long period of time. It should not be used 12 to 24 hours after surgery.

Most important fact about Oxymorphone hydrochloride

Do not break, chew, dissolve, or crush Opana ER tablets. Taking tablets in this way could cause a deadly dose of oxymorphone to be released into the body. Also, while on Opana ER therapy, you should not consume any alcohol, including prescription or nonprescription drugs that contain alcohol. Having alcohol with Opana ER may cause an overdose of oxymorphone.

How should you take Oxymorphone hydrochloride?

Opana ER should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour prior to or two hours after eating. Opana ER tablets should be swallowed whole and should not to be broken, chewed, dissolved, or crushed.

• If you miss a dose...
  If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once unless your doctor tells you to. If you are not sure about your dosing schedule, call your doctor.

• Storage instructions...
  Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Oxymorphone hydrochloride.

• Side effects may include:
  Constipation, dizziness (vertigo), feeling of tiredness, headache, itchiness, nausea, sleeplessness, sweating, vomiting

Why should Oxymorphone hydrochloride not be prescribed?

Do not take Opana ER if you have breathing problems, such as severe asthma, or if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Also, you should not take Oxymorphone hydrochloride if you do not need pain treatment for a prolonged period of time.

Special warnings about Oxymorphone hydrochloride

Avoid taking broken, dissolved, or crushed Opana ER tablets. Taking anything other than whole tablets can lead to a fatal overdose of oxymorphone.

While using Opana ER, do not eat or drink anything that contains alcohol (e.g., alcoholic beverages or certain medications). Alcohol may cause an overdose of oxymorphone.

Opana ER can make you sleepy. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or participate in any other possibly dangerous activities until you know how this medicine affects you.

Tell the doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of the following: breathing problems, liver or kidney problems, brain injury, Addison's disease, seizures, problems urinating, prostate trouble, or a history of drug or alcohol dependency.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Oxymorphone hydrochloride

If Opana ER is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Opana ER with the following:

Alcohol
General anesthetics
Hypnotics
Opioids
Phenothiazines
Sedatives
Tranquilizers

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Opana ER during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Talk with your doctor before taking Oxymorphone hydrochloride if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage for Oxymorphone hydrochloride

ADULTS

Initial Therapy
If you have never used an opioid drug before, the recommended initial dose of Opana ER is 5 milligrams every 12 hours. Depending on how you respond, the doctor may increase the dose slowly at increments of 5-10 milligrams every 12 hours.

Switching from Opana to Opana ER
If you are currently taking regular Opana, the doctor will decide which dosage of Opana ER is right for you.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Opana ER overdose include:
  Cold and clammy skin, coma, constricted (small) pupils, death, heart problems, low blood pressure, problems breathing, severe sleepiness

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