Opana (Oxymorphone Hydrochloride) Drug Overview of Side Effects and Precautions for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Types of Pain Medications »

For what conditions are pain medications used?

Virtually any disease as well as most injuries and surgical procedures involve some degree of pain. It's not surprising, then, that pain medications, also known as analgesics, are among the most commonly used drugs in the U.S. Pain can range from minor, acute complaints, such as a muscle sprain, to chronic, severe pain, such as that sometimes experienced by cancer patients. Some drugs used for other conditions also are effective at relieving certain types of pain. These drugs include certain drugs used for depression, epilepsy, and anxiety.

What are the differences among the types of pain medications?

Pain medications can be broadly classified into two categories: prescription and nonprescription. In the latter category are several mild anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen), as well as acetaminophen. These are mainly meant for use with short-term, acute pain -- menstrual cramps,...

Read the Types of Pain Medications article »

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SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, fever, constipation, increased sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using this drug, consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (e.g., stimulant-type with stool softener).

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, mental/mood changes, fainting, vision changes, slow/fast heartbeat, difficulty urinating.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: severe stomach/abdominal pain, change in the amount of urine, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking oxymorphone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine, morphine); 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.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe breathing problems (e.g., respiratory depression, hypercarbia, severe asthma), certain bowel diseases (e.g., paralytic ileus, infectious diarrhea), intoxication with medications that depress the nervous system or your breathing (CNS/respiratory depressants such as alcohol or tranquilizers/sedatives), moderate/severe liver disease.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: brain disorders (e.g., seizures, head injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure), heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat), lung diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, mild asthma, hypoxia, hypercapnia), disease of the pancreas (e.g., pancreatitis), mental/mood disorders (e.g., toxic psychosis), a certain spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis), gallbladder disease, personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, kidney disease, mild liver disease, adrenal gland problem (e.g., Addison's disease), difficulty urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate or urethral stricture), severe obesity, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), intestinal diseases (e.g., colitis), recent bowel/abdominal surgery.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially slow/shallow breathing and drowsiness.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Using it for long periods or in high doses near the expected delivery date is not recommended because of possible harm to the unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have used this medication for an extended time may have withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, vomiting, or diarrhea. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.