Numorphan Side Effects

Generic name: oxymorphone

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 7, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Numorphan Side Effects associated with oxymorphone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Numorphan.

Applies to oxymorphone: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet; tablet, extended release)

Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse. Oxymorphone exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death.

Assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing oxymorphone, and monitor all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)To ensure that the benefits of opioid analgesics outweigh the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required a REMS for these products.

Under the requirements of the REMS, drug companies with approved opioid analgesic products must make REMS-compliant education programs available to healthcare providers.

Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to complete a REMS-compliant education program, counsel patients and/or their caregivers, with every prescription, on safe use, serious risks, storage, and disposal of these products, emphasize to patients and their caregivers the importance of reading the Medication Guide every time it is provided by their pharmacist, and consider other tools to improve patient, household, and community safety.Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression. Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of oxymorphone.

Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of oxymorphone or following a dose increase Instruct patients to swallow oxymorphone extended-release (ER) tablets whole; crushing, chewing, or dissolving oxymorphone ER tablets can cause rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of oxymorphone.Accidental Ingestion. Accidental ingestion of even one dose of oxymorphone, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of oxymorphone.Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome. Prolonged use of oxymorphone during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts.

If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.Interaction with Alcohol. Instruct patients not to consume alcoholic beverages or use prescription or non-prescription products that contain alcohol while taking oxymorphone.

The co-ingestion of alcohol with oxymorphone may result in increased plasma levels and a potentially fatal overdose of oxymorphone.Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants. Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.

Reserve concomitant prescribing of oxymorphone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required.

Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.

Common side effects of Numorphan

Some side effects of oxymorphone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• difficulty having a bowel movement
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• relaxed and calm
• sensation of spinning
• sleepiness

Less common side effects

• belching
• decreased weight
• discouragement
• excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
• feeling of warmth
• feeling sad or empty
• full or bloated feeling
• heartburn
• indigestion
• lack of appetite
• loss of interest or pleasure
• passing gas
• pressure in the stomach
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• stomach discomfort or upset
• swelling of the stomach area
• tiredness
• trouble concentrating

Rare side effects

• blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
• cracked, dry, scaly skin
• difficulty with thinking or concentrating
• disturbed color perception
• double vision
• false or unusual sense of well-being
• feeling jittery
• halos around lights
• loss of vision
• night blindness
• nightmares or unusually vivid dreams
• overbright appearance of lights
• sudden sweating
• tunnel vision
• welts

Incidence not known

• forgetfulness
• loss of memory
• problems with memory

Serious side effects of Numorphan

Along with its needed effects, oxymorphone (the active ingredient contained in Numorphan) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking oxymorphone:

Less common side effects

• blurred vision
• confusion
• decreased urination
• difficult or labored breathing
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• dry mouth
• fast, pounding, racing, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• headache
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• rapid breathing
• sunken eyes
• sweating
• swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet
• thirst
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• wrinkled skin

Rare side effects

• chest pain or discomfort
• chills
• cold sweats
• confusion about identity, place, and time
• cough
• decrease in consciousness
• deep or fast breathing with dizziness
• difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
• difficulty with sleeping
• difficulty with swallowing
• drowsiness to profound loss of consciousness
• fever
• hives, itching, or skin rash
• hoarseness
• irregular, slow, or shallow breathing
• irritability
• irritation
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• numbness of the feet, hands, and around the mouth
• painful urination
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• redness of the skin
• restlessness
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• severe constipation
• severe vomiting
• stomach pain
• shaking
• trouble in holding or releasing urine
• unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness

Incidence not known

• agitation
• darkening of the skin
• diarrhea
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
• loss of appetite
• mental depression
• nausea
• overactive reflexes
• poor coordination
• seizures
• shivering
• talking or acting with excitement you cannot control
• twitching
• vomiting

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking oxymorphone:

Symptoms of overdose

• change in consciousness
• cold and clammy skin
• constricted, pinpoint, or small pupils (black part of the eye)
• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• difficult or trouble breathing
• irregular, fast, slow, or shallow breathing
• loss of consciousness
• low blood pressure or pulse
• muscle weakness
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• severe sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to oxymorphone: injectable solution, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release, rectal suppository.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported adverse reactions included nausea, pyrexia, somnolence, vomiting, pruritus, headache, dizziness, constipation, and confusion. Additionally, the following adverse events were reported with the extended release tablet, diarrhea, insomnia, fatigue, decreased appetite and abdominal pain.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Constipation (up to 26%), nausea (up to 33%), vomiting (up to 16%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth, abdominal distention, flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia
• Frequency not reported: Paralytic ileus, ileus
• Postmarketing reports: Difficulty swallowing tablets^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypoxia, dyspnea
• Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression, atelectasis, bronchospasm, decreased oxygen saturation, respiratory distress, respiratory rate decreased

laryngospasm, laryngeal edema, apnea^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Somnolence (up to 19%), dizziness (excluding vertigo; up to 18%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, confusion
• Frequency not reported: Sedation, CNS depression
• Postmarketing reports: Amnesia, convulsion, memory impairment^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity including dermatitis allergic, urticaria, pruritus, face swelling^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Tachycardia, hypotension, edema, flushing, hypertension
• Frequency not reported: Bradycardia, palpitations, orthostatic hypotension, syncope^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety, insomnia, confusion, disorientation, restlessness, nervousness, depression
• Frequency not reported: Mental impairment, dysphoria, euphoric mood, agitation, hallucination, drug dependence, drug abuse, feeling jittery^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Ureteral spasm, urinary hesitation, urinary retention, oliguria, difficult micturition^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Pruritus (up to 15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Increased sweating
• Frequency not reported: Dermatitis^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Decreased appetite, dehydration, decreased weight
• Frequency not reported: Anorexia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Biliary colic^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Pyrexia (14%)
• Frequency not reported: Fatigue, asthenia, hot flashes, clamminess, weakness^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Vision blurred
• Frequency not reported: Miosis, diplopia, visual disturbances^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Injection site reaction^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Oxymorphone vs Hydromorphone - How do they compare?

Further information

Numorphan side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer