Oxymorphone (By mouth)
ox-i-MOR-fone
Treats moderate to severe pain. This medicine is a narcotic pain reliever.
Drug classes
Analgesic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Oxymorphone is used to relieve pain. It belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts in the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain. Many of its side effects are also caused by actions in the CNS.
Oxymorphone extended-release tablets are used to relieve moderate to severe pain in patients requiring continuous, around-the-clock treatment for a long period of time, and should not be used if you need pain medicine for just a short time, such as when recovering from surgery. Do not use this medicine to relieve mild pain, or in situations where a non-narcotic medication is effective. This medicine should not be used to treat pain that you only have once in a while or “as needed”.
When oxymorphone is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence). However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to occur when narcotics are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by reducing the dose gradually over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet, Long Acting Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. An overdose can be dangerous. Follow directions carefully so you do not get too much medicine at one time
Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the medicine in a safe and secure place. Do not throw unused medicine in the trash. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medicine you do not use.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how oxymorphone works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
Cimetidine A phenothiazine medicine An MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 daysTell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are also using buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, or a muscle relaxer.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to oxymorphone, morphine, codeine, or other narcotic pain medicines, or if you have severe breathing problems, moderate to severe liver disease, or paralytic ileus.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung or breathing problems (such as asthma or COPD), low blood pressure, Addison disease, an enlarged prostate, gallbladder problems, pancreas problems, trouble urinating, or stomach or digestion problems. Also tell your doctor if you have a history of depression, severe scoliosis, head injury, brain tumor, seizures, or drug or alcohol abuse.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
High risk of overdose, which can lead to death Respiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening)This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or faint. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Stand up carefully.
This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blue lips, fingernails, or skin
Extreme dizziness or weakness, shallow breathing, slow or uneven heartbeat, sweating, cold or clammy skin, seizures
Severe confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Severe constipation, stomach pain, or vomiting
Trouble breathing or slow breathing
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Itching skin
Mild constipation, nausea, or vomiting
Mild sleepiness or tiredness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Opana, Opana ER
There may be other brand names for this medicine.