Roxanol (Morphine Sulfate) Drug Overview of Side Effects and Precautions for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Roxanol

Pain Management »

Introduction to pain management

Pain management can be simple or complex, depending on the cause of the pain. An example of pain that is typically less complex would be nerve root irritation from a herniated disc with pain radiating down the leg. This condition can often be alleviated with an epidural steroid injection and physical therapy. Sometimes, however, the pain does not go away. This can require a wide variety of skills and techniques to treat the pain. These skills and techniques include:

Interventional procedures
Medication management
Physical therapy or chiropractic therapy
Psychological counseling and support
Acupuncture and other alternative therapies; and
Referral to other medical specialists

All of these skills and services are necessary because pain can involve many aspects of a person's daily life.

How is pain tre...

Read the Pain Management article »

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

To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. Consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (such as a 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, fainting, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion), difficulty urinating, vision changes, slow/fast heartbeat.

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 symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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 morphine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other narcotic pain medications (such as codeine); 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: certain bowel diseases (paralytic ileus, infectious diarrhea).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, lung diseases (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), breathing problems (such as slow/shallow breathing, sleep apnea), a certain spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis), certain heart problems (irregular heartbeat), personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, brain disorders (such as seizures, head injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate or narrowed urethra), disease of the pancreas (such as pancreatitis), mental/mood disorders (such as toxic psychosis), gallbladder disease, adrenal gland problem (such as Addison's disease), intestinal disorders (such as colitis, blockage).

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.

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

This product may contain sugar. Caution is advised if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, 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 a long 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.

This drug passes into breast milk and the effect on a nursing infant is not known. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.