Drug Notes

Oxymorphone (By injection)

Oxymorphone (ox-i-MOR-fone)

Treats moderate to severe pain, helps anesthesia work better during surgery, and eases anxiety related to breathing problems. This medicine is a narcotic pain reliever.

Brand Name(s):

Opana

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, or into a vein.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines and foods can affect how oxymorphone works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
  • Cimetidine
  • Other pain medicine, including buprenorphine, pentazocine, butorphanol, nalbuphine
  • Phenothiazine medicine, including chlorpromazine, perphenazine, promethazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, paralytic ileus (intestines that do not work properly), or asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing problems. Also tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures, head injury, brain tumor, or alcoholism.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease, pancreas or gallbladder problems, Addison disease, thyroid disease, enlarged prostate, or trouble urinating.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • High risk of overdose, which can lead to death
  • Respiratory depression, which could be life-threatening
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine, especially if you will be receiving anesthesia or having tests done.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• If you have used this medicine for a long period of time, do not suddenly stop using it. You doctor may need to gradually reduce your dose.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Stand up slowly if you feel lightheaded.
• This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Extreme dizziness, drowsiness, or weakness, slow heartbeat, seizures, and cold, clammy skin
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
• Mild sleepiness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

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

Last Updated: 1/27/2017