Opana ER (Oxymorphone Hydrochloride Extended Release) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Opana ER

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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Opana ER Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

OXYMORPHONE EXTENDED-RELEASE - ORAL

(ox-ee-MORE-fown)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Opana ER

WARNING: This medication provides ongoing control of moderate-to-severe pain that is expected to last for a long time. It should be used on a regular schedule as prescribed by your doctor, not as needed.

This medication must be swallowed whole. Do not break, chew, dissolve, or crush the medication. This may cause a rapid release of the medication that may be fatal. Also, do not drink alcohol or take any products containing alcohol while taking this medication. This may cause an increase of the medication in your body that may be fatal.

Oxymorphone has a high risk for abuse and severe, possibly fatal, breathing problems. The risk for harm is higher if you take the wrong dose/strength, or if you take it along with other drugs that might also affect breathing. Be sure you know how to take oxymorphone and what other drugs you should avoid taking with it. Get immediate help if you notice unusual slow/shallow breathing.

Keep this medicine in a safe place to prevent theft, misuse, or abuse. If a child accidentally swallows this drug, get emergency medical help right away.

USES: See also Warning section.

This medication is used to treat moderate-to-severe ongoing pain. It acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. This medication is a long-acting form of a narcotic pain reliever (opiate-type).

This medication should not be used during the first 12 to 24 hours after surgery if you were not taking this medication or another strong narcotic pain medication (e.g., morphine) before surgery. It should also not be used if the pain is mild or not expected to last for a long time.

HOW TO USE: See also Warning section.

Take this medication by mouth without food (1 hour before or 2 hours after eating), usually every 12 hours or as directed by your doctor. If you have nausea and take this drug with food, your body may absorb more of the drug and increase the risk of side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1-2 hours with as little head movement as possible).

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

You may take quick-acting narcotic pain medications for sudden (breakthrough) pain if so directed by your doctor. Also follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions for safely using non-narcotic pain relievers (e.g., naproxen, ibuprofen). If you have been regularly using other long-acting narcotic pain medications or narcotic patches, check with your doctor or pharmacist since they may need to be stopped before you start using this medication. If you are currently using a narcotic patch (e.g., fentanyl), the effects may continue after it is removed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist when it will be safe to start taking this medication (usually 18 hours after removing the patch).

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as restlessness, irritability, tearing, runny nose, sweating, diarrhea) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Though very unlikely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication. To lessen the risk of becoming addicted, do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.

When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Inform your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.