Uses
Oxymorphone is used to relieve moderate to severe pain in people whose pain is not controlled with other medications. Oxymorphone is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the body responds to pain.
Side Effects Of Oxymorphone
Oxymorphone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dry mouth
- stomach pain or swelling
- nausea
- vomiting
- gas
- excessive sweating
- flushing
- fast heartbeat
- red eyes
- headache
- feeling anxious or confused
- itching
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those mentioned in the WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- agitation, hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist), fever, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat, shivering, severe muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, or dizziness
- inability to get or keep an erection
- irregular menstruation
- decreased sexual desire
- changes in heartbeat
- seizures
- rash, hives, itching, nausea, vomiting, hoarseness, difficulty breathing or swallowing chest pain. or swelling of the hands, eyes, face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- extreme drowsiness
- fainting
Oxymorphone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking oxymorphone:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to oxymorphone, oxycodone (OxyContin, in Percocet, in Roxicet, others), codeine (in many pain relievers and cough medications), hydrocodone (Zohydro, in Anexsia, in Norco, in Reprexain, in Rezira, in Vicoprofen, in Vituz, others), dihydrocodeine (in Synalgos-DC), hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Exalgo), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in oxymorphone tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section and any of the following: antihistamines; buprenorphine (Buprenex, Butrans, Zubsolv, in Suboxone); butorphanol (Stadol); cimetidine (Tagamet), diuretics (‘water pills’), ipratropium (Atrovent, in Combivent); medications for irritable bowel disease, motion sickness, Parkinson’s disease, or urinary problems; nalbuphine; and pentazocine (Talwin). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions mentioned in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section, liver disease, blockage in your stomach or intestine, or paralytic ileus (a condition in which digested food does not move through the intestines). Your doctor may tell you not to take oxymorphone.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever seizures; problems urinating, or kidney, pancreas, thyroid, or gall bladder disease.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding while taking oxymorphone, watch your baby closely for any unusual sleepiness, slowed breathing, or limpness.
- you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men and women. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking oxymorphone.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking oxymorphone.
- you should know that oxymorphone may make you drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- you should know that oxymorphone may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
- you should know that oxymorphone may cause constipation. Talk to your doctor about changing your diet or using other medications to prevent or treat constipation while you are using oxymorphone.
Oxymorphone Dosage
Oxymorphone comes as a tablet and as an extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. It is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take oxymorphone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the extended-release tablets whole; do not chew or crush them.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of oxymorphone and gradually increase your dose until your pain is controlled. Your doctor may adjust your dose at any time during your treatment if your pain is not controlled. If you feel that your pain is not controlled, call your doctor. Do not change the dose of your medication without talking to your doctor.
Do not stop taking oxymorphone without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop taking oxymorphone, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness; watery eyes; runny nose; yawning; sweating; chills; muscle, joint, or back pain; enlarged pupils (black circles in the centers of the eyes); irritability; anxiety; weakness; stomach cramps; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; loss of appetite; fast heartbeat; and fast breathing.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
This prescription is not refillable. If you are taking oxymorphone to control your pain on a long-term basis, be sure to schedule appointments with your doctor regularly so that you do not run out of medication. If you are taking oxymorphone on a short-term basis, call your doctor if you continue to have pain after you finish the medication.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
