oxymorphone

What is the most important information I should know about oxymorphone?

What is oxymorphone?

Oxymorphone is an opioid medicine that is used to treat moderate to severe pain.

Oxymorphone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using oxymorphone?

• severe asthma or breathing problems;
• severe liver disease; or
• a stomach or bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• breathing problems, sleep apnea (breathing that stops during sleep);
• a head injury or seizures;
• drug or alcohol addiction, or mental illness;
• urination problems;
• liver or kidney problems; or
• problems with your gallbladder, pancreas, or thyroid.

Ask a doctor before using opioid medicine if you are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you notice severe drowsiness or slow breathing in the nursing baby.

How should I use oxymorphone?

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use oxymorphone in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to take more of this medicine.

Stop using all other around-the-clock opioid pain medications when you start taking oxymorphone.

Take the medicine at the same times each day.

Take only one extended-release tablet at a time. To avoid choking, do not lick or wet the tablet before placing it in your mouth.

Never crush a pill to inhale the powder or inject it into your vein. This could result in death.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using oxymorphone suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since oxymorphone is used for pain, you are not likely to miss a dose. Skip any missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Your doctor may recommend you get naloxone (a medicine to reverse an opioid overdose) and keep it with you at all times. A person caring for you can give the naloxone if you stop breathing or don't wake up. Your caregiver must still get emergency medical help and may need to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on you while waiting for help to arrive.

Anyone can buy naloxone from a pharmacy or local health department. Make sure any person caring for you knows where you keep naloxone and how to use it.

What should I avoid while using oxymorphone?

What are the possible side effects of oxymorphone?

Opioid medicine can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur. A person caring for you should give naloxone and/or seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

• weak or shallow breathing, breathing that stops;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• seizure (convulsions);
• chest pain, wheezing, cough with yellow or green mucus;
• severe vomiting;
• high levels of serotonin in the body --agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or
• low cortisol levels --nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, worsening tiredness or weakness.

Serious breathing problems may be more likely in older adults and people who are debilitated or have wasting syndrome or chronic breathing disorders.

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• headache, tiredness; or
• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect oxymorphone?

• medicine for allergies, asthma, blood pressure, motion sickness, irritable bowel, or overactive bladder;
• other opioid medicines;
• a benzodiazepine sedative like Valium, Klonopin, or Xanax;
• sleep medicine, muscle relaxers, or other drugs that make you drowsy; or
• drugs that affect serotonin, such as antidepressants, stimulants, or medicine for migraines or Parkinson's disease.

This list is not complete. Many drugs may affect oxymorphone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about oxymorphone.