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.

PENTAZOCINE/NALOXONE - ORAL

(pen-TAZZ-oh-seen/nal-OX-own)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Talwin NX

USES: This product is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It contains 2 medications, pentazocine and naloxone. Pentazocine is a narcotic pain reliever (opiate-type). It acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. Naloxone helps to prevent misuse of this product. It blocks the effect of pentazocine and may cause withdrawal reactions if this product is dissolved and injected. Naloxone does not have any effect when taken by mouth.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 3 to 4 hours or as directed by your doctor. If you have nausea, it may help to take this drug with food. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (such as taking antihistamines, lying down for 1 to 2 hours with as little head movement as possible).

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not take more than 600 milligrams of pentazocine in a 24-hour period. Do not increase your dose, take the medication more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.

Pain medications work best if they are used when the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.

If you have been regularly using other narcotic pain medications (for example, morphine, methadone), withdrawal reactions (such as restlessness, watery eyes, widened pupils, sweating, runny nose) may occur when you start this product. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

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, watery eyes, widened pupils, sweating, runny nose) 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.

When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Your doctor may need to increase your dose or change your medication. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Along with its benefits, this medication may rarely cause abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction). This risk may be increased if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past. Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lessen the risk of addiction.

Tell your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.