Numorphan

Numorphan injection is a narcotic analgesic used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, including labor pain. This drug can be given a general anesthetic before surgery and may be used to relieve anxiety for patients with breathing problems from pulmonary edema caused by heart disease. This drug acts on the central nervous system to relieve pain.

Prolonged use of this drug may cause mental or physical dependence. Narcotics are less likely to be addictive when used for medical purposes. Withdrawal side effects can happen if treatment is stopped abruptly but it can be prevented by slowly tapering the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely. This drug requires a prescription.

Before using Numorphan, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

Studies in children regarding the correlation of age to the effects of oxymorphone injection have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established. Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of oxymorphone injection.

Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems. Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding.

Discuss with your healthcare professional about potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

• Alcohol
• Anticholinergics
• Cimetidine
• Muscle Relaxants
• CNS Depressants
• Mixed Agonist/Antagonist
• Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as:

• Addison's disease
• Alcohol abuse
• Asthma
• Brain tumor
• Breathing problems
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Cor pulmonale
• Drug dependence
• Enlarged prostate
• Gallbladder disease or Gallstones
• Head injuries
• Heart disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Hypovolemia
• Kyphoscoliosis
• Obesity
• Problems with passing urine
• Sleep apnea syndrome
• Hypotension
• Pancreatitis
• Seizures
• Liver disease
• Paralytic ileus
• Respiratory depression
• Kidney or Liver disease

Proper usage of Numorphan requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. A trained healthcare professional will be the only one to give you this drug in a hospital.

This drug is injected under the skin, into one of your muscles, or through a needle placed in one of your veins.

You will be switched to an oral drug that works the same way when your condition improves. Consult with healthcare professional for any concerns.

Before using Numorphan, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.

This drug will potentiate the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants such as:

• Antihistamines or Drugs for allergies or colds
• Sedatives, Tranquilizers, or Sleeping drugs
• Other prescription pain drugs or narcotics
• Drugs for seizures or barbiturates
• Muscle relaxants
• Anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics

Check with your healthcare professional before taking any of the drugs listed above while you are using this drug. Using more than your prescribed dose is not recommended even if you feel that the drug is not working as well to prevent any development of dependence.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem.

Also, lying down for a while may relieve the dizziness or lightheadedness. This drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or disorientation. Be careful in taking this drug before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous.

Using narcotics for a long time can cause severe constipation. To prevent this, your healthcare professional may direct you to take laxatives, drink a lot of fluids, or increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Be sure to follow the directions carefully, because continuing constipation can lead to more serious problems.

Check with your healthcare professional before changing your dose or suddenly stop taking this drug if you have been using this drug regularly for several weeks or longer.

Your healthcare professional may slowly taper the amount you are using before stopping it completely to reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms, such as abdominal or stomach cramps, anxiety, fever, nausea, runny nose, sweating, tremors, or trouble with sleeping.

Consult with your healthcare professional before you take any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Numorphan. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

• Blurred vision
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Confusion
• Constricted
• Pinpoint, or small pupils
• Difficult or Painful urination
• Difficult or Troubled breathing
• Difficulty sleeping
• Disorientation
• Double vision
• Drowsiness or Sleepiness
• Fast, Pounding, or Irregular heartbeat or pulse
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Hallucinations
• Irregular, Fast or Slow, or shallow breathing
• Noisy breathing
• Pale or Blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• Slow or Irregular heartbeat
• Seeing double
• Seeing, Hearing, or Feeling things that are not there
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in chest
• Trouble breathing
• Unconsciousness
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Very slow breathing
• Wheezing
• Symptoms of overdose such as bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils cold
• Clammy skin
• Increased sensitivity of eyes to light
• Low blood pressure or pulse
• No muscle tone or movement
• Unconsciousness
• Very slow heartbeat

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.