Oxymorphone injection

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What is Oxymorphone injection?

Oxymorphone relieves moderate to severe pain and may be used with anesthesia during a procedure. It may also be used for refief of anxiety in certain patients with difficulty breathing associated with certain heart and lung problems.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• brain tumor
• drug abuse or addiction
• head injury
• heart disease
• if you frequently drink alcohol-containing drinks
• kidney disease or problems going to the bathroom
• kyphoscoliosis
• liver disease
• lung disease, asthma, or breathing problems
• seizures
• stomach problems
• taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, or selegiline in the past 2 weeks
• an unusual reaction to parabens, oxymorphone, morphine, codeine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

The medicine is for injection under the skin, into a muscle, or into a vein. If you are taught how to give yourself an injection, follow the directions on the prescription label. Take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take more medicine than you are told to take.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What drug(s) may interact with Oxymorphone?

• alcohol or medicines that contain alcohol
• antihistamines
• benzodiazepines
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for pain like pentazocine, buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, tramadol, and propoxyphene
• medicines for sleep
• muscle relaxants
• naltrexone
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

What should I watch for while taking Oxymorphone?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medicine. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medicine for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take this medicine for a long time.

Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

This medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Oxymorphone?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing difficulties, wheezing
• changes in vision
• confusion
• light headedness or fainting spells
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• seizures
• slow or fast heartbeat
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• drowsiness
• headache
• itching
• nausea, vomiting
• sweating

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and is against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.