Oxymorphone exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing oxymorphone, and monitor all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions.
To ensure that the benefits of opioid analgesics outweigh the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, the FDA has required a REMS for these products. Under the requirements of the REMS, drug companies with approved opioid analgesic products must make REMS-compliant education programs available to health care providers. Health care providers are strongly encouraged to complete a REMS-compliant education program and counsel patients and/or their caregivers, with every prescription, on safe use, serious risks, storage, and disposal of these products; emphasize to patients and their caregivers the importance of reading the Medication Guide every time it is provided by their pharmacist, and consider other tools to improve patient, household, and community safety.
Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of oxymorphone. Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of oxymorphone or following a dose increase. Instruct patients to swallow oxymorphone extended-release (ER) tablets whole; crushing, chewing, or dissolving oxymorphone ER tablets can cause rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of oxymorphone.
Accidental ingestion of even 1 dose of oxymorphone, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of oxymorphone.
Prolonged use of oxymorphone during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.
Instruct patients not to consume alcoholic beverages or use prescription or nonprescription products that contain alcohol while taking oxymorphone. The coingestion of alcohol with oxymorphone may result in increased plasma levels and a potentially fatal overdose of oxymorphone
Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of oxymorphone and benzodiazepine or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.
Pain management: Note: Dosage must be individualized.
Oral:
Immediate release: Acute pain:
Opioid-naive: Initial: 5 to 10 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed (American Pain Society [Miaskowski 2016]). Dosage adjustment should be based on level of analgesia, side effects, pain intensity, and patient comorbidities.
Conversion from other opioids: Use standard conversion chart to convert total daily dose of current opioid to oxymorphone equivalent. Generally, start with one-half (1/2) the calculated total daily oxymorphone dosage and administer in divided doses every 4 to 6 hours.
Extended release: Chronic pain:
Opioid-naive (use as the first opioid analgesic or in patients who are not opioid tolerant): Initial: 5 mg every 12 hours.
Note: Opioid tolerance is defined as: Patients already taking at least 60 mg of oral morphine daily, 25 mcg of transdermal fentanyl per hour, 30 mg of oral oxycodone daily, 8 mg oral hydromorphone daily, 25 mg oral oxymorphone daily, or an equivalent dose of another opioid for at least 1 week.
Conversion of stable dose of immediate-release oxymorphone to extended-release oxymorphone: Using the same total daily dose, administer one-half (1/2) of the daily dose of immediate-release oxymorphone as the extended-release formulation every 12 hours
Conversion from other oral opioids to extended-release oxymorphone: Discontinue all other around-the-clock opioids when extended release oxymorphone is initiated. Substantial interpatient variability exists in relative potency of opioids. Therefore, it is safer to underestimate a patient’s daily oral oxymorphone requirement and provide breakthrough pain relief with rescue medication (eg, immediate release opioid) than to overestimate requirements. The conversion factors, per the manufacturer, in the chart (see table) provide an estimate to convert the daily dose of current opioid to an oxymorphone equivalent. Select the prior oral opioid, sum the current total daily dose, multiply by the conversion factor on the table to calculate the approximate oral oxymorphone daily dose, then divide daily dose by 2 to administer every 12 hours as oxymorphone extended release. Round down, if necessary, to the nearest strength available. For patients on a regimen of more than one opioid, calculate the approximate oral oxymorphone dose for each opioid and sum the totals to obtain the approximate total oxymorphone daily dose. For patients on a regimen of fixed-ratio opioid/nonopioid analgesic medications, only the opioid component of these medications should be used in the conversion. Note: The conversion factors in this conversion table are only to be used for the conversion from current opioid therapy to oxymorphone ER. Conversion factors in this table cannot be used to convert from oxymorphone ER to another opioid (doing so may lead to fatal overdose due to overestimation of the new opioid). This is not a table of equianalgesic doses. When converting from methadone to extended release oxymorphone, close monitoring is required. Ratio between methadone and other opioid agonists varies widely according to previous dose exposure. Methadone has a long half-life and can accumulate in the plasma.
|
Prior Oral Opioid |
Approximate Oral Conversion Factor |
|---|---|
|
Oxymorphone |
1 |
|
Hydrocodone |
0.5 |
|
Oxycodone |
0.5 |
|
Methadone |
0.5 |
|
Morphine |
0.333 |
Titration and maintenance: Adjust therapy incrementally by 5 to 10 mg every 12 hours at intervals of every 3 to 7 days. Breakthrough pain may require a dose increase or rescue medication with an immediate-release analgesic.
Discontinuation of therapy: When discontinuing chronic opioid therapy, the dose should be gradually tapered down. An optimal universal tapering schedule for all patients has not been established (CDC [Dowell 2016]). Proposed schedules range from slow (eg, 10% reductions per week) to rapid (eg, 25% to 50% reduction every few days) (CDC 2015). Tapering schedules should be individualized to minimize opioid withdrawal while considering patient-specific goals and concerns as well as the pharmacokinetics of the opioid being tapered. An even slower taper may be appropriate in patients who have been receiving opioids for a long duration (eg, years), particularly in the final stage of tapering, whereas more rapid tapers may be appropriate in patients experiencing severe adverse events (CDC [Dowell 2016]). Monitor carefully for signs/symptoms of withdrawal. If the patient displays withdrawal symptoms, consider slowing the taper schedule; alterations may include increasing the interval between dose reductions, decreasing amount of daily dose reduction, pausing the taper and restarting when the patient is ready, and/or coadministration of an alpha-2 agonist (eg, clonidine) to blunt withdrawal symptoms (Berna 2015; CDC [Dowell 2016]). Continue to offer nonopioid analgesics as needed for pain management during the taper; consider nonopioid adjunctive treatments for withdrawal symptoms (eg, GI complaints, muscle spasm) as needed (Berna 2015; Sevarino 2018).
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
CrCl ≥50 mL/minute: There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling.
CrCl <50 mL/minute: Use with caution; bioavailability increased.
Oral:
Extended release:
Opioid naive: Initial: 5 mg/dose; titrate slowly with careful monitoring.
Prior opioid therapy: Initiate oxymorphone ER at 50% lower than the starting dose for patients with normal renal function on prior opioids; titrate slowly.
Immediate release: Initial: 5 mg/dose; titrate slowly with careful monitoring.
Mild impairment: Use with caution.
Oral:
Extended release:
Opioid naive: Initial: 5 mg/dose; titrate slowly with careful monitoring.
Prior opioid therapy: Initiate oxymorphone ER at 50% lower than the starting dose for patients with normal hepatic function on prior opioids; titrate slowly.
Immediate release: Initial: 5 mg/dose; titrate slowly with careful monitoring.
Moderate to severe impairment: Use is contraindicated.
Refer to adult dosing. Note: Initiate dosing at the lower end of the dosage range; titrate slowly with careful monitoring.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Tablet, Oral, as hydrochloride:
Opana: 5 mg [DSC] [contains fd&c blue #2 (indigo carm) aluminum lake]
Opana: 10 mg [DSC] [contains d&c red #30 aluminum lake]
Generic: 5 mg, 10 mg
Tablet Extended Release 12 Hour, Oral, as hydrochloride:
Generic: 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg
Yes
Opana ER was withdrawn from the US market as of June 2017; however, generic oxymorphone extended-release tablets remain available.
C-II
An FDA-approved patient medication guide, which is available with the product information and as follows, must be dispensed with this medication:
Opana: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/021611s016lbl.pdf#page=27
Opana ER: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/021610s030lbl.pdf#page=31
Oxymorphone extended-release tablets: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/079046s000mg.pdf
Oral: Administer on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Swallow ER tablet whole; do not break, crush, dissolve, or chew.
Bariatric surgery: Tablet, extended release: Some institutions may have specific protocols that conflict with these recommendations; refer to institutional protocols as appropriate. ER abuse-deterrent tablets (Opana ER) should be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush, dissolve, chew, or wet prior to administration as this will result in uncontrolled delivery of oxymorphone that can lead to overdose or death. Nonabuse-deterrent IR tablet formulation of oxymorphone is available. If safety and efficacy can be effectively monitored, no change in formulation or administration is required after bariatric surgery; however, clinicians should be advised that oral morphine has been shown to have significantly increased Cmax and decreased Tmax in the immediate (1 to 2 weeks) and long-term (6 months) period after bariatric surgery.
Pain management:
Oral, immediate release: Management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate.
Oral, extended release: Management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate.
Limitations of use: Reserve oxymorphone for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options (eg, nonopioid analgesics, opioid combination products) are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient pain management. Oxymorphone ER is not indicated as an as-needed analgesic.
OxyMORphone may be confused with HYDROmorphone, oxyCODONE, OxyCONTIN, oxymetholone.
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) includes this medication among its list of drug classes which have a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error.
To avoid medication errors, extreme caution should be taken to avoid confusing the extended release oxymorphone 5 mg and 10 mg tablets with immediate release oxymorphone 5 mg and 10 mg tablets.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Reported adverse reactions are for adults.
>10%:
Dermatologic: Pruritus (3% to 15%)
Gastrointestinal: Constipation (4% to 28%), nausea (11% to 33%), vomiting (9% to 16%)
Nervous system: Dizziness (5% to 18%), drowsiness (2% to 17%), headache (4% to 12%)
Miscellaneous: Fever (1% to 14%)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Edema, flushing, hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia
Dermatologic: Diaphoresis
Endocrine & metabolic: Dehydration, weight loss
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal distention, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, xerostomia
Nervous system: Anxiety, confusion, depression, disorientation, fatigue, insomnia, lethargy, nervousness, restlessness, sedated state
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Asthenia
Ophthalmic: Blurred vision
Respiratory: Dyspnea, hypoxia
<1%:
Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension, oxygen saturation decreased, palpitations, syncope
Dermatologic: Cold and clammy skin, dermatitis, urticaria
Endocrine & metabolic: Hot flash
Gastrointestinal: Intestinal obstruction
Genitourinary: Difficulty in micturition, urinary retention
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction
Nervous system: Agitation, central nervous system depression, cognitive dysfunction, dysphoria, euphoria, hallucination, impaired consciousness, jitteriness, mental status changes
Ophthalmic: Miosis, visual disturbance
Respiratory: Bradypnea, respiratory depression, respiratory distress
Frequency not defined: Nervous system: Drug abuse, opioid dependence
Postmarketing:
Endocrine & metabolic: Increased serum prolactin (Molitch 2008; Vuong 2010)
Genitourinary: Hypogonadism (Brennan 2013; Debono 2011)
Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis, angioedema
Nervous system: Amnesia, memory impairment, seizure
Hypersensitivity (eg, anaphylaxis, angioedema) to oxymorphone or any component of the formulation; significant respiratory depression; acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment; GI obstruction, including paralytic ileus (known or suspected); moderate and severe hepatic impairment.
Documentation of allergenic cross-reactivity for opioids is limited. However, because of similarities in chemical structure and/or pharmacologic actions, the possibility of cross-sensitivity cannot be ruled out with certainty.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• CNS depression: May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving).
• Constipation: May cause constipation which may be problematic in patients with unstable angina and patients post-myocardial infarction. Consider preventive measures (eg, stool softener, increased fiber) to reduce the potential for constipation.
• Hypotension: May cause severe hypotension (including orthostatic hypotension and syncope); use with caution in patients with hypovolemia, cardiovascular disease (including acute MI), or with drugs which may exaggerate hypotensive effects (including phenothiazines or general anesthetics). Monitor for symptoms of hypotension following initiation or dose titration. Avoid use in patients with circulatory shock.
• Phenanthrene hypersensitivity: Use with caution in patients with hypersensitivity reactions to other phenanthrene-derivative opioid agonists (codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, levorphanol, oxycodone).
• Respiratory depression: [US Boxed Warning]: Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur. Monitor closely for respiratory depression, especially during initiation or dose escalation. Swallow ER tablets whole; crushing, chewing, or dissolving can cause rapid release and a potentially fatal dose. Carbon dioxide retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids. Patients and caregivers should be educated on how to recognize respiratory depression and the importance of getting emergency assistance immediately (eg, calling 911) in the event of known or suspected overdose.
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP): Cases of TTP resulting in kidney failure (requiring dialysis) and death have been reported as a result of misuse by drug abusers injecting the extended-release tablets intravenously. Tablets are intended for oral administration only.
Disease-related concerns:
• Abdominal conditions: May obscure diagnosis or clinical course of patients with acute abdominal conditions.
• Adrenocortical insufficiency: Use with caution in patients with adrenal insufficiency, including Addison disease. Long-term opioid use may cause secondary hypogonadism, which may lead to mood disorders and osteoporosis (Brennan 2013).
• Biliary tract impairment: Use with caution in patients with biliary tract dysfunction including acute pancreatitis; opioids may cause constriction of sphincter of Oddi.
• CNS depression/coma: Avoid use in patients with impaired consciousness or coma as these patients are susceptible to intracranial effects of CO2 retention.
• Delirium tremens: Use with caution in patients with delirium tremens.
• Head trauma: Use with extreme caution in patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, or elevated intracranial pressure (ICP); exaggerated elevation of ICP may occur.
• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with mild hepatic impairment; use is contraindicated in moderate to severe impairment.
• Mental health conditions: Use opioids with caution for chronic pain in patients with mental health conditions (eg, depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder) due to increased risk for opioid use disorder and overdose; more frequent monitoring is recommended (Dowell [CDC 2016]).
• Obesity: Use with caution in patients who are morbidly obese.
• Prostatic hyperplasia/urinary stricture: Use with caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia and/or urinary stricture.
• Psychosis: Use with caution in patients with toxic psychosis.
• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment.
• Respiratory disease: Use with caution and monitor for respiratory depression in patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with a substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercarbia, or preexisting respiratory depression, particularly when initiating therapy and titrating therapy; critical respiratory depression may occur, even at therapeutic dosages. Consider the use of alternative nonopioid analgesics in these patients.
• Seizure disorders: Use with caution in patients with seizure disorders; may cause or exacerbate preexisting seizures.
• Sleep-related disorders: Opioid use increases the risk for sleep-related disorders (eg, central sleep apnea [CSA], hypoxemia) in a dose-dependent fashion. Use with caution for chronic pain and titrate dosage cautiously in patients with risk factors for sleep-disordered breathing (eg, heart failure and obesity). Consider dose reduction in patients presenting with CSA. Avoid opioids in patients with moderate to severe sleep-disordered breathing (Dowell [CDC 2016]).
• Thyroid dysfunction: Use with caution in patients with thyroid dysfunction.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
• Benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants: [US Boxed Warning]: Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of oxymorphone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosage and durations to the minimum required and follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. Consider prescribing naloxone for emergency treatment of opioid overdose in patients taking benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants concomitantly with opioids.
• Ethanol use: [US Boxed Warning]: Patients should not consume alcoholic beverages or medication containing ethanol while taking oxymorphone; ethanol may increase oxymorphone plasma levels resulting in a potentially fatal overdose.
Special populations:
• Cachectic or debilitated patients: Use with caution in debilitated or cachectic patients; there is a greater potential for critical respiratory depression, even at therapeutic dosages. Consider the use of alternative nonopioid analgesics in these patients.
• Older adult: Use with caution in older adult patients; may be more sensitive to adverse effects. Decrease initial dose. Use opioids for chronic pain with caution in this age group; monitor closely due to an increased potential for risks, including certain risks such as falls/fracture, cognitive impairment, and constipation. Clearance may also be reduced in older adults (with or without renal impairment) resulting in a narrow therapeutic window and increasing the risk for respiratory depression or overdose (Dowell [CDC 2016]). Consider the use of alternative nonopioid analgesics in these patients.
• Neonates: Neonatal withdrawal syndrome: [US Boxed Warning]: Prolonged use of opioids during pregnancy can cause neonatal withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, ensure treatment is available and warn patient of risk to the neonate. Signs and symptoms include irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea and failure to gain weight. Onset, duration and severity depend on the drug used, duration of use, maternal dose, and rate of drug elimination by the newborn.
Dosage form specific issues:
• Extended-release tablets: Therapy should only be prescribed by healthcare professionals familiar with the use of potent opioids for chronic pain. Reports of intestinal obstruction requiring medical intervention to remove the tablet have been reported (rare). Consider use of an alternative analgesic in patients who have difficulty swallowing and patients at risk for underlying GI disorders resulting in a small gastrointestinal lumen (eg, patients with esophageal cancer or colon cancer with a small GI lumen).
Other warnings/precautions:
• Abrupt discontinuation/withdrawal: Abrupt discontinuation in patients who are physically dependent to opioids has been associated with serious withdrawal symptoms, uncontrolled pain, attempts to find other opioids (including illicit), and suicide. Use a collaborative, patient-specific taper schedule that minimizes the risk of withdrawal, considering factors such as current opioid dose, duration of use, type of pain, and physical and psychological factors. Monitor pain control, withdrawal symptoms, mood changes, suicidal ideation, and for use of other substances and provide care as needed. Concurrent use of mixed agonist/antagonist analgesics (eg, pentazocine, nalbuphine, butorphanol) or partial agonist (eg, buprenorphine) analgesics may also precipitate withdrawal symptoms and/or reduced analgesic efficacy in patients following prolonged therapy with mu opioid agonists.
• Abuse/misuse/diversion: [US Boxed Warning]: Use exposes patients and other users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, potentially leading to overdose and death. Assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing; monitor all patients regularly for development of these behaviors or conditions. Use with caution in patients with a history of drug abuse or acute alcoholism; potential for drug dependency exists. Other factors associated with increased risk for misuse include younger age, concomitant depression (major), and psychotropic medication use. Consider offering naloxone prescriptions in patients with factors associated with an increased risk for overdose, such as history of overdose or substance use disorder, higher opioid dosages (≥50 morphine milligram equivalents/day orally), and concomitant benzodiazepine use (Dowell [CDC 2016]).
• Accidental exposure: [US Boxed Warning]: Accidental ingestion of even one dose, especially in children, can result in a fatal overdose of oxymorphone.
• Appropriate use: Chronic pain (outside of end-of-life or palliative care, active cancer treatment, sickle cell disease, or medication-based opioid use disorder treatment) in outpatient setting in adults: Opioids should not be used as first-line therapy for chronic pain management (pain >3-month duration or beyond time of normal tissue healing) due to limited short-term benefits, undetermined long-term benefits, and association with serious risks (eg, overdose, MI, auto accidents, risk of developing opioid use disorder). Preferred management includes nonpharmacologic therapy and nonopioid therapy (eg, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, certain antiseizure medications and antidepressants). If opioid therapy is initiated, it should be combined with nonpharmacologic and nonopioid therapy, as appropriate. Prior to initiation, known risks of opioid therapy should be discussed and realistic treatment goals for pain/function should be established, including consideration for discontinuation if benefits do not outweigh risks. Therapy should be continued only if clinically meaningful improvement in pain/function outweighs risks. Therapy should be initiated at the lowest effective dosage using immediate-release opioids (instead of extended-release/long-acting opioids). Risk associated with use increases with higher opioid dosages. Risks and benefits should be re-evaluated when increasing dosage to ≥50 morphine milligram equivalents (MME)/day orally; dosages ≥90 MME/day orally should be avoided unless carefully justified (Dowell [CDC 2016]).
• Naloxone access: Discuss the availability of naloxone with all patients who are prescribed opioid analgesics, as well as their caregivers, and consider prescribing it to patients who are at increased risk of opioid overdose. These include patients who are also taking benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, have an opioid use disorder (OUD) (current or history of), or have experienced a previous opioid overdose. Additionally, healthcare providers should consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medications to treat OUD; patients at risk of opioid overdose even if they are not taking an opioid analgesic or medication to treat OUD; and patients taking opioids, including methadone or buprenorphine for OUD, if they have household members, including children, or other close contacts at risk for accidental ingestion or opioid overdose. Inform patients and caregivers on options for obtaining naloxone (eg, by prescription, directly from a pharmacist, a community-based program) as permitted by state dispensing and prescribing guidelines. Educate patients and caregivers on how to recognize respiratory depression, proper administration of naloxone, and getting emergency help.
• Optimal regimen: An opioid-containing analgesic regimen should be tailored to each patient's needs and based upon the type of pain being treated (acute versus chronic), the route of administration, degree of tolerance for opioids (naive versus chronic user), age, weight, and patient comorbidities. The optimal analgesic dose varies widely among patients; doses should be titrated to pain relief/prevention.
• REMS program: [US Boxed Warning]: To ensure that the benefits of opioid analgesics outweigh the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, a REMS is required. Drug companies with approved opioid analgesic products must make REMS-compliant education programs available to health care providers. Health care providers are encouraged to complete a REMS-compliant education program; counsel patients and/or their caregivers, with every prescription, on safe use, serious risks, storage, and disposal of these products; emphasize to patients and their caregivers the importance of reading the Medication Guide every time it is provided by their pharmacist; and consider other tools to improve patient, household, and community safety.
• Surgery: Opioids decrease bowel motility; monitor for decreased bowel motility in postop patients receiving opioids. Use with caution in the perioperative setting; individualize treatment when transitioning from parenteral to oral analgesics.
None known.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the Lexicomp drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Alizapride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alvimopan: Opioid Agonists may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Alvimopan. This is most notable for patients receiving long-term (i.e., more than 7 days) opiates prior to alvimopan initiation. Management: Alvimopan is contraindicated in patients receiving therapeutic doses of opioids for more than 7 consecutive days immediately prior to alvimopan initiation. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Amphetamines: May enhance the analgesic effect of Opioid Agonists. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Anticholinergic Agents: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Opioid Agonists. Specifically, the risk for constipation and urinary retention may be increased with this combination. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Azelastine (Nasal): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Blonanserin: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Blonanserin. Management: Use caution if coadministering blonanserin and CNS depressants; dose reduction of the other CNS depressant may be required. Strong CNS depressants should not be coadministered with blonanserin. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Brimonidine (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bromopride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bromperidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Cannabinoid-Containing Products. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Chlormethiazole: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Monitor closely for evidence of excessive CNS depression. The chlormethiazole labeling states that an appropriately reduced dose should be used if such a combination must be used. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Chlorphenesin Carbamate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
CNS Depressants: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid agonists and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Daridorexant: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Dose reduction of daridorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of daridorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of daridorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Desmopressin: Opioid Agonists may enhance the hyponatremic effect of Desmopressin. Risk C: Monitor therapy
DexmedeTOMIDine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of DexmedeTOMIDine. Management: Monitor for increased CNS depression during coadministration of dexmedetomidine and CNS depressants, and consider dose reductions of either agent to avoid excessive CNS depression. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Difelikefalin: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dimethindene (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Diuretics: Opioid Agonists may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Diuretics. Opioid Agonists may diminish the therapeutic effect of Diuretics. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Droperidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider dose reductions of droperidol or of other CNS agents (eg, opioids, barbiturates) with concomitant use. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Eluxadoline: Opioid Agonists may enhance the constipating effect of Eluxadoline. Risk X: Avoid combination
Flunarizine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunarizine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Flunitrazepam: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunitrazepam. Management: Reduce the dose of CNS depressants when combined with flunitrazepam and monitor patients for evidence of CNS depression (eg, sedation, respiratory depression). Use non-CNS depressant alternatives when available. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Gastrointestinal Agents (Prokinetic): Opioid Agonists may diminish the therapeutic effect of Gastrointestinal Agents (Prokinetic). Risk C: Monitor therapy
HydrOXYzine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider a decrease in the CNS depressant dose, as appropriate, when used together with hydroxyzine. Increase monitoring of signs/symptoms of CNS depression in any patient receiving hydroxyzine together with another CNS depressant. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Kava Kava: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Kratom: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Lemborexant: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Dosage adjustments of lemborexant and of concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary when administered together because of potentially additive CNS depressant effects. Close monitoring for CNS depressant effects is necessary. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Lisuride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lofexidine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Magnesium Sulfate: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Methotrimeprazine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Methotrimeprazine. Methotrimeprazine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Reduce the usual dose of CNS depressants by 50% if starting methotrimeprazine until the dose of methotrimeprazine is stable. Monitor patient closely for evidence of CNS depression. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Metoclopramide: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
MetyroSINE: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of MetyroSINE. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Minocycline (Systemic): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: OxyMORphone may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors. Risk X: Avoid combination
Nalfurafine: Opioid Agonists may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Nalfurafine. Opioid Agonists may diminish the therapeutic effect of Nalfurafine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Nalmefene: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid the concomitant use of oral nalmefene and opioid agonists. Discontinue oral nalmefene 1 week prior to any anticipated use of opioid agonists. If combined, larger doses of opioid agonists will likely be required. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Naltrexone: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Opioid Agonists. Management: Seek therapeutic alternatives to opioids. See full drug interaction monograph for detailed recommendations. Risk X: Avoid combination
Olopatadine (Nasal): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Opioid Agonists: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid agonists and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Opioids (Mixed Agonist / Antagonist): May diminish the analgesic effect of Opioid Agonists. Management: Seek alternatives to mixed agonist/antagonist opioids in patients receiving pure opioid agonists, and monitor for symptoms of therapeutic failure/high dose requirements (or withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients) if patients receive these combinations. Risk X: Avoid combination
Orphenadrine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Orphenadrine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Oxomemazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Oxybate Salt Products: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Oxybate Salt Products. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination when possible. If combined, dose reduction or discontinuation of one or more CNS depressants (including the oxybate salt product) should be considered. Interrupt oxybate salt treatment during short-term opioid use Risk D: Consider therapy modification
OxyCODONE: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of OxyCODONE. Management: Avoid concomitant use of oxycodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Paraldehyde: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Paraldehyde. Risk X: Avoid combination
Pegvisomant: Opioid Agonists may diminish the therapeutic effect of Pegvisomant. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Piribedil: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Piribedil. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Pramipexole: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Pramipexole. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Procarbazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ramosetron: Opioid Agonists may enhance the constipating effect of Ramosetron. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b: CNS Depressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b. Specifically, the risk of neuropsychiatric adverse effects may be increased. Management: Avoid coadministration of ropeginterferon alfa-2b and other CNS depressants. If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for neuropsychiatric adverse effects (eg, depression, suicidal ideation, aggression, mania). Risk D: Consider therapy modification
ROPINIRole: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of ROPINIRole. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Rotigotine: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Rotigotine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Rufinamide: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Specifically, sleepiness and dizziness may be enhanced. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Samidorphan: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Opioid Agonists. Risk X: Avoid combination
Serotonergic Agents (High Risk): Opioid Agonists may enhance the serotonergic effect of Serotonergic Agents (High Risk). This could result in serotonin syndrome. Management: Monitor for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome/serotonin toxicity (eg, hyperreflexia, clonus, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, tremor, autonomic instability, mental status changes) when these agents are combined. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Sincalide: Drugs that Affect Gallbladder Function may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sincalide. Management: Consider discontinuing drugs that may affect gallbladder motility prior to the use of sincalide to stimulate gallbladder contraction. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Somatostatin Analogs: Opioid Agonists may diminish the analgesic effect of Somatostatin Analogs. Opioid Agonists may enhance the analgesic effect of Somatostatin Analogs. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Succinylcholine: May enhance the bradycardic effect of Opioid Agonists. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Suvorexant: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Suvorexant. Management: Dose reduction of suvorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of suvorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of suvorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Thalidomide: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Thalidomide. Risk X: Avoid combination
Valerian: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Zolpidem: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Zolpidem. Management: Reduce the Intermezzo brand sublingual zolpidem adult dose to 1.75 mg for men who are also receiving other CNS depressants. No such dose change is recommended for women. Avoid use with other CNS depressants at bedtime; avoid use with alcohol. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Ethanol: Ethanol ingestion with extended-release tablets is specifically contraindicated due to possible accelerated release and potentially fatal overdose. Management: Avoid ethanol.
Food: When taken orally with a high-fat meal, peak concentration is 38% to 50% greater. Management: Both immediate-release and extended-release tablets should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
Long-term opioid use may cause secondary hypogonadism, which may lead to sexual dysfunction or infertility in men and women (Brennan 2013).
Opioids cross the placenta.
According to some studies, maternal use of opioids may be associated with birth defects (including neural tube defects, congenital heart defects, and gastroschisis), poor fetal growth, stillbirth, and preterm delivery (CDC [Dowell 2016]).
[US Boxed Warning]: Prolonged use of oxymorphone during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available. If chronic opioid exposure occurs in pregnancy, adverse events in the newborn (including withdrawal) may occur (Chou 2009). Symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) following opioid exposure may be autonomic (eg, fever, temperature instability), gastrointestinal (eg, diarrhea, vomiting, poor feeding/weight gain), or neurologic (eg, high-pitched crying, hyperactivity, increased muscle tone, increased wakefulness/abnormal sleep pattern, irritability, sneezing, seizure, tremor, yawning) (Dow 2012; Hudak 2012). Mothers who are physically dependent on opioids may give birth to infants who are also physically dependent. Opioids may cause respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in the neonate; newborns of mothers receiving opioids during labor should be monitored.
Oxymorphone is not commonly used to treat pain during labor and immediately postpartum (ACOG 209 2019) or chronic noncancer pain in pregnant women or those who may become pregnant (CDC [Dowell 2016]; Chou 2009).
It is not known if oxymorphone is present in breast milk.
Nonopioid analgesics are preferred for breastfeeding females who require pain control peripartum or for surgery outside of the postpartum period (ABM [Martin 2018]; ABM [Reece-Stremtan 2017]). When opioids are needed in breastfeeding women, the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration of time should be used to limit adverse events in the mother and breastfeeding infant. In general, a single occasional dose of an opioid analgesic may be compatible with breastfeeding (WHO 2002). Breastfeeding women using opioids for postpartum pain or for the treatment of chronic maternal pain should monitor their infants for drowsiness, sedation, feeding difficulties, or limpness (ACOG 209 2019). According to the manufacturer, the decision to breastfeed during therapy should consider the risk of infant exposure, the benefits of breastfeeding to the infant, and benefits of treatment to the mother. Withdrawal symptoms may occur when maternal use is discontinued, or breastfeeding is stopped.
Immediate release and extended release tablets should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
Pain relief, respiratory and mental status, heart rate, blood pressure; bowel function; signs/symptoms of misuse, abuse, and addiction; signs or symptoms of hypogonadism or hypoadrenalism (Brennan 2013)
Alternate recommendations: Chronic pain (long-term therapy outside of end-of-life or palliative care, active cancer treatment, sickle cell disease, or medication-based opioid use disorder treatment): Evaluate benefits/risks of opioid therapy within 1 to 4 weeks of treatment initiation and with dose increases. Re-evaluate benefits/risks every 3 months during therapy or more frequently in patients at increased risk of overdose or opioid use disorder. Urine drug testing is recommended prior to initiation and re-checking should be considered at least yearly (includes controlled prescription medications and illicit drugs of abuse). State prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data should be reviewed by clinicians prior to initiation and periodically during therapy (frequency ranging from every prescription to every 3 months) (Dowell [CDC 2016]).
Oxymorphone is a potent opioid analgesic with uses similar to those of morphine. The drug is a semisynthetic derivative of morphine (phenanthrene derivative) and is closely related to hydromorphone chemically (Dilaudid).
Distribution: Vd: IV: 1.94 to 4.22 L/kg.
Protein binding: 10% to 12%.
Metabolism: Hepatic via glucuronidation to active and inactive metabolites.
Bioavailability: ~10%.
Half-life elimination: Immediate release: 7 to 9 hours; Extended release: 9 to 11 hours.
Excretion: Urine (<1% as unchanged drug); feces.
Altered kidney function: There is an increase of 26%, 57%, and 65% in bioavailability in patients with mild, moderate, and severe renal impairment, respectively.
Hepatic function impairment: Bioavailability of orally administered oxymorphone may be markedly increased in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment.
Older adult: On average, patients >65 years of age experience 1.4- and 1.5-fold increases in oxymorphone AUC and Cmax, respectively.
Tablet, 12-hour (oxyMORphone HCl ER Oral)
5 mg (per each): $4.37
7.5 mg (per each): $6.38
10 mg (per each): $8.39
15 mg (per each): $11.64
20 mg (per each): $14.88
30 mg (per each): $21.42
40 mg (per each): $27.96
Tablets (oxyMORphone HCl Oral)
5 mg (per each): $0.39 - $3.57
10 mg (per each): $0.87 - $6.72
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
