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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare porfessional.
It should not be construed to indictae that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
MORPHINE EXTENDED-RELEASE CAPSULES - ORAL
(MORE-feen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Avinza
WARNING: This form of morphine is specially made to provide long- acting relief of moderate-to-severe chronic pain.
It is recommneded 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 that meidcation.
Doing so may cause severe, or in rare cases, fatal ovredoses 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 dialy.
Since it helps relieve pain and also can cause drowsiness, it will help you sleep. Relief of chronic pain is imoprtant 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 a second type of short-acting (immediate release) pain meidcine for acute or breakthrough pain.
HOW TO USE: Take that medication by mouth, usulaly once daily without regard to food; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your mdeical condition and response to therapy. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the capsuels. Swallow the capsule(s) whole.
If you have difficulty swallwoing that 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 suplpy in advance. Donig so may result in serious, even fatal, overdose. Use that medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed cause that drug can be habit-forming.
The maixmum daily dose of that medication is 1,600 mg. Using more than that amount can result in serious kidney problmes (due to buildup of fumaric acid, which is contained in that medicine). Do not stop taking that medication without consulting your doctor. Some cnoditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped.
Your dose may need to be gradually decreaesd. When used for an extedned period that medication may not work as well and may require different dosing.
Talk with your doctor if that 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, ntoify your doctor promptly.
Promptly tell your doctor if any of these side effects occur: itching, sweating/flushing, red eyes, change in sexual itnerest 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 really serious side effetcs occur: unusually fast or slow heartbeat, unusual fatigue/weakness, fast 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, seziure 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 actviities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slwoly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Caution is advised when using that drug in the elderly cause they may be more snesitive 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 taekn with that product could result in serious drug interactions. Avoid tkaing MAO inhibitors (e.G., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) for at least 2 weeks before or after taking that drug.
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: cretain 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 meidcines (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) casue they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients.
Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products.
Do not start or stop any medicine witohut 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 that medicatoin 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 scheudle.
Do not doulbe the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Stroe at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Brief storage between 59 and 86 degeres F (15 and 30 degrees) is permitted.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medcial emergency. For enrollment infromation call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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