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Morphine Extended Release Capsules Oral
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
MORPHINE EXTENDED-RELEASE CAPSULES – ORAL
(MORE-feen)
COMMON BRAND NAME: Avinza
WARNING: This form of morphine is specially made to provide long- acting relief of moderate-to-severe chronic pain. It is recommended to only be taken once a day. This medication should be swallowed whole (see How To Use section for more details). Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the contents of this medication. Doing so may cause severe, or in rare cases, fatal overdoses of morphine. Consult your pharmacist for details.
USES: Morphine extended-release is used for the long-term treatment of pain (chronic pain). It is specially made to release doses of morphine continuously throughout the day. Therefore, it only needs to be taken once daily. Since it helps relieve pain and also can cause drowsiness, it will help you sleep. Relief of chronic pain is important in order to improve your quality of life. This form of morphine is not recommended for short-term (acute) or “as needed” pain relief. Your doctor may prescribe another type of short-acting (immediate release) pain medicine for acute or breakthrough pain.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily without regard to food; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the capsules. Swallow the capsule(s) whole. If you have difficulty swallowing this medication whole, the capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled into applesauce and taken as directed. Do not chew the food/medication mixture or make-up a supply in advance. Doing so may result in serious, even fatal, overdose. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. The maximum daily dose of this medication is 1,600 mg. Using more than this amount can result in serious kidney problems (due to buildup of fumaric acid, which is contained in this medicine). Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. 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.
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, diarrhea, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Promptly tell your doctor if any of these side effects occur: itching, sweating/flushing, red eyes, change in sexual interest or function. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: trouble breathing or shallow breathing, vision problems, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, swelling of the arms/legs. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, stomach/abdominal pain, back pain, trouble urinating (e.g., pain, inability to urinate), decreased appetite, tingling or numbness of the hands/feet. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: unusually fast or slow heartbeat, unusual fatigue/weakness, easy bleeding or bruising, weight loss, seizures. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: acute or severe bronchial asthma, other lung/breathing problems (e.g., COPD, respiratory depression), certain intestinal disorders (e.g., paralytic ileus). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, heart failure, low blood pressure, stomach/intestinal disorders (e.g., spasms), pancreatitis, head injuries (including intracranial lesions or pressure), certain glandular conditions (e.g., Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism), prostate problems (e.g., BPH), depression, alcohol or drug abuse, seizure disorders, dehydration, any allergies (especially to other opiates such as codeine or hydromorphone). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy but is not recommended for use immediately prior to, or during labor. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Certain medications taken with this product could result in serious drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) for at least 2 weeks before or after taking this drug. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: certain other pain medicine (e.g., narcotic agonist/antagonists such butorphanol, nalbuphine, or pentazocine), cimetidine. Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives or tranquilizers), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam), other narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine or tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, topiramate), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: slow/labored/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness or inability to awaken, unusually slow heartbeat, cold/clammy skin.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others; it is against the law. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees) is permitted.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Brand Name Morphine Extended Release Capsules Oral drugs
Generic MORPHINE EXTENDED-RELEASE CAPSULES - ORAL drugs
- Morphine Sulfate Oral