Avinza
FDA: 2 More NECC Drugs Contaminated »
"Nov. 1, 2012 -- Two more drugs made by the New England Compounding Center (NECC) are crawling with various kinds of bacteria, FDA tests reveal.
The NECC is the Massachusetts compounding pharmacy whose drugs are the likely source of th"...
Avinza
AVINZA®
(morphine sulfate)
WARNING
ABUSE POTENTIAL, LIFE-THREATENING RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION, ACCIDENTAL EXPOSURE, and INTERACTION WITH ALCOHOL
Abuse Potential AVINZA® contains pellets of morphine sulfate, an opioid agonist and Schedule II controlled substance with an abuse liability similar to other opioid agonists, legal or illicit [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Assess each patient's risk for opioid abuse or addiction prior to prescribing AVINZA. The risk for opioid abuse is increased in patients with a personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depressive disorder). Routinely monitor all patients receiving AVINZA for signs of misuse, abuse, and addiction during treatment [see Drug Abuse and Dependence].
Life-threatening Respiratory Depression
Respiratory depression, including fatal cases, may occur with use of AVINZA, even when the drug has been used as recommended and not misused or abused [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Proper dosing and titration are essential and AVINZA should only be prescribed by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable in the use of potent opioids for the management of chronic pain. Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of AVINZA or following a dose increase. Instruct patients to swallow AVINZA capsules whole or to sprinkle the contents of the capsule on applesauce and swallow immediately without chewing. Crushing, dissolving, or chewing the pellets within the capsule can cause rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of morphine.
Accidental Exposure
Accidental ingestion of AVINZA, especially in children, can result in a fatal overdose of morphine [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Interaction with Alcohol
The co-ingestion of alcohol with AVINZA may result in an increase of plasma levels and potentially fatal overdose of morphine [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Instruct patients not to consume alcoholic beverages or use prescription or non-prescription products that contain alcohol while on AVINZA therapy.
DRUG DESCRIPTION
AVINZA capsules are for oral use and contain pellets of morphine sulfate. Morphine sulfate is an agonist at the mu-opioid receptor.
Each AVINZA Capsule contains either 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, or 120 mg of morphine sulfate, USP and the following inactive ingredients: ammoniomethacrylate copolymers, NF, fumaric acid, NF, povidone, USP, sodium lauryl sulfate, NF, sugar starch spheres, NF, and talc, USP.
The capsule shell contains black ink, gelatin, titanium dioxide, D&C yellow No. 10 (30 mg), FD&C blue No. 2 (45 mg), FD&C green No. 3 (60 mg), FDA iron oxide and FDA yellow iron oxide (75 mg), FD&C red No. 40 (90 mg), FD&C red No. 3 (120 mg), and FD&C blue No. 1 (120 mg).
The chemical name of morphine sulfate is 7,8-didehydro-4,5 alpha-epoxy-17-methylmorphinan-3,6 alpha-diol sulfate (2:1) (salt) pentahydrate with a molecular weight of 758. The empirical formula is (C17H19NO3)2•H2SO4•5H2O.
Morphine sulfate is an odorless, white, crystalline powder. It is soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol, but is practically insoluble in chloroform or ether. The octanol:water partition coefficient of morphine is 1.42 at physiologic pH and the pKa is 7.9 for the tertiary nitrogen (the majority is ionized at pH 7.4). Its structural formula is:
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What are the possible side effects of morphine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
- seizure (convulsions);
- cold, clammy skin;
- confusion;
- severe weakness or dizziness; or
- feeling light-headed, fainting.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
- constipation;
- warmth, tingling, or redness under your...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Avinza »
What are the precautions when taking morphine sulfate (Avinza)?
Before taking morphine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: brain disorders (such as head injury, tumor, seizures), breathing problems (such as asthma, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders (such as confusion, depression), personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, constipation, diarrhea due to infection, paralytic ileus), difficulty urinating...
Last reviewed on RxList: 7/25/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
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