Oxymorphone ER
Oxymorphone
Oxymorphone (oks i MOR fone) is a generic medication prescribed to help manage certain types of pain in adults in certain situations. Oxymorphone belongs to a group of drugs called opioids.
Oxymorphone (oks i MOR fone) is a generic medication prescribed to help manage certain types of pain in adults in certain situations. Oxymorphone belongs to a group of drugs called opioids.
- Brand
- • Tablet Extended Release 12 HR
- • 40mg
- • 60 Tablets
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Brittany Duke, PharmD RPh
Updated on August 30, 2023
Oxymorphone (oks I MOR fone) is a generic medication prescribed to help manage certain types of pain in adults in certain situations. Oxymorphone belongs to a group of drugs called opioids.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved oxymorphone to help manage moderate to severe pain in adults when:
- other treatments cause bothersome side effects
- other treatments have not worked or are not expected to work
- pain is severe enough to need daily, around-the-clock opioid treatment
These approved uses differ based on the form of oxymorphone your doctor prescribes.
This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of oxymorphone. To find coupons for oxymorphone extended-release (ER)* tablet, see this article.
* “Extended release” means the drug is released in your body slowly over time.
Boxed warnings
Oxymorphone has boxed warnings, which are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These include:
- risk of misuse and addiction
- risk of serious respiratory depression
- risk of accidental ingestion
- risk of drug or alcohol interactions
- risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for oxymorphone” section.
Uses
Uses of oxymorphone
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as oxymorphone for certain conditions. Approved uses for oxymorphone are described below. These uses differ based on the form of oxymorphone prescribed.
Use for pain
Doctors may prescribe oxymorphone oral tablet to help manage moderate to severe pain when:
- other pain treatments cause bothersome side effects or
- other pain treatments have not worked or are not expected to work
It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
Doctors may not prescribe oxymorphone oral tablet as a long-term treatment unless the pain is not relieved by other pain medications.
Doctors may prescribe oxymorphone extended-release (ER)* to help manage moderate to severe pain that’s severe enough to need daily, around-the-clock pain treatment when:
- other treatments are not tolerated or
- other treatments have not worked or are not expected to work, and
- pain is severe enough to need daily, around-the-clock opioid treatment
It’s prescribed for this purpose as a long-term treatment in adults.
Doctors may also not prescribe oxymorphone ER tablet to treat pain as needed. Instead, this form of oxymorphone is prescribed for continuous, around-the-clock pain relief.
Pain that’s severe enough to require opioid treatment may happen after a major surgery or serious injury. It may also occur with certain serious conditions, such as cancer.
* “Extended release” means the drug is released in your body slowly over time.
Side effects
Side effects of oxymorphone
Oxymorphone may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of oxymorphone and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about oxymorphone’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for oxymorphone listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of oxymorphone are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of oxymorphone you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about oxymorphone’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for oxymorphone listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Oxymorphone oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- nausea and vomiting
- fever
- sleepiness
- constipation
- mild allergic reaction*
Oxymorphone extended-release (ER)† oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- nausea and vomiting
- constipation
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for oxymorphone” section.
† Extended release means the drug is released in your body slowly over time.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of oxymorphone are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of oxymorphone you take.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about oxymorphone’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for oxymorphone listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, oxymorphone’s serious side effects include:
- increased sensitivity to pain
- problems with adrenal glands (glands that produce certain hormones)
- severe low blood pressure
- sleep apnea
- boxed warnings: risk of misuse and addiction, serious respiratory depression, accidental ingestion, drug or alcohol interactions, and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome*
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for oxymorphone” section.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for oxymorphone
Below, you’ll find information about oxymorphone’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of oxymorphone
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take oxymorphone, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for oxymorphone” section below.
Warnings for oxymorphone
Some people should not take oxymorphone, and others should take it cautiously.
Boxed warnings
Oxymorphone has boxed warnings about the following:
- risk of misuse and addiction
- risk of serious respiratory depression
- risk of accidental ingestion
- risk of drug or alcohol interactions
- risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
To learn more about these warnings, read below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Risk of misuse and addiction. Oxymorphone has a risk of misuse, which may lead to addiction. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way that’s not prescribed. Addiction is feeling unable to stop taking a drug, even if it’s causing harm. In rare cases, misuse and addiction can lead to overdose and death.
Your doctor may prescribe naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray along with oxymorphone. Narcan is a medication that can be used in an emergency situation to reverse an opioid overdose. (Keep in mind that oxymorphone is an opioid.) Narcan is also available over the counter without a prescription.
It’s important to take oxymorphone exactly as your doctor prescribes it.
If you have concerns about the risk of misuse and addiction with oxymorphone, tell your doctor. They can discuss with you safe ways to take oxymorphone.
Risk of serious respiratory depression. Oxymorphone may cause serious respiratory depression. With respiratory depression, you have slow, shallow breathing. Your breathing may also stop. This side effect was rarely reported in studies of oxymorphone.
This side effect is more likely to occur when you first start treatment and after dosage increases. Symptoms may include pinpoint pupils, unusually long pauses between breaths, confusion, or disorientation.
Respiratory depression can be life threatening. If you have symptoms of respiratory depression while taking oxymorphone, you or someone else should call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
If you have concerns about the risk of respiratory depression with oxymorphone, tell your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray along with oxymorphone. Narcan is a medication that can be used in an emergency situation to reverse an opioid overdose. (Keep in mind that oxymorphone is an opioid.) Narcan is also available over the counter without a prescription.
Risk of accidental ingestion. Taking an accidental dose of oxymorphone can lead to respiratory depression and fatal overdose. (To learn about respiratory depression, read the section just above.) This risk is higher if a child takes oxymorphone accidentally.
It’s important to store oxymorphone in a safe place, out of the reach of children. You should not share your medication with anyone.
If you or someone else has symptoms of respiratory depression or has accidentally ingested oxymorphone, call 911 or a local emergency number right away.
Risk of drug or alcohol interactions. Oxymorphone is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. This means it slows down the activity of your brain and spinal cord. Drinking alcohol or taking other CNS depressants while you’re taking oxymorphone can increase your risk of serious side effects.
For example, drinking alcohol or taking other medications that contain alcohol during your oxymorphone treatment can cause oxymorphone to accumulate in your body. High oxymorphone levels may lead to a fatal overdose.
Taking other CNS depressants, such as benzodiazepines, while taking oxymorphone can lead to excessive drowsiness, respiratory depression, coma, and even death.
Due to these risks, if you drink alcohol, you should not drink it while taking oxymorphone.
If you take another CNS depressant, your doctor may not prescribe oxymorphone. If you must take both drugs, they’ll likely prescribe the lowest dose of each drug for the shortest amount of time.
If you have concerns about potential drug or alcohol interactions with oxymorphone, tell your doctor. They’ll let you know whether oxymorphone is safe for you to take.
Risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. For more information about this risk, see the “Pregnancy or breastfeeding and oxymorphone” section.
Other warnings
Oxymorphone could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether oxymorphone is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of oxymorphone you take.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for oxymorphone, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Oxymorphone can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to oxymorphone or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe oxymorphone. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to oxymorphone, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of oxymorphone
You should not take more oxymorphone than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much oxymorphone, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, including symptoms of respiratory depression, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and oxymorphone
Information about oxymorphone and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Oxymorphone and pregnancy
There are risks to taking oxymorphone during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having unmanaged severe pain while pregnant. (Keep in mind that oxymorphone is used for managing moderate to severe pain.)
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about pain management options during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take oxymorphone during pregnancy.
Boxed warning: Risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
Using oxymorphone long term during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. This condition is called neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). With NOWS, a newborn may have the following symptoms:
- irritability
- high-pitched crying
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- shaking
- problems gaining weight
- sleep problems
If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend safe ways to manage your pain during your pregnancy.
Oxymorphone and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether oxymorphone should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
FAQs
Common questions about oxymorphone
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about oxymorphone.
Does oxymorphone cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases, oxymorphone may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time, or they can last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects include:
- problems with adrenal glands (glands that produce certain hormones)
- risk of misuse and addiction*
- risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (if taken during pregnancy)*
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to best manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of oxymorphone may last.
* Oxymorphone has boxed warnings about this side effect. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings” section.
Is oxymorphone safe for older adults?
Oxymorphone may be safe for older adults (ages 65 years or older) if taken cautiously.
In studies of people who took oxymorphone, older adults had a higher risk of certain side effects. These included dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and respiratory depression.
The risk of respiratory depression was higher in people who started taking oxymorphone at a higher dose.
Due to this risk, your doctor will likely prescribe a lower starting dose if you’re age 65 years or older. Then, they’ll slowly increase your dosage to reach the lowest dose that manages your pain.
Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about the effect of oxymorphone on older adults.
How does oxymorphone work? And how long does it take to start working?
Oxymorphone works by blocking pain signals in your brain. This reduces your perception of pain.
Oxymorphone tablets start working about 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking a dose. With oxymorphone extended-release (ER)* tablets, it may take up to 3 days to get the full effect.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* “Extended release” means the drug is released in your body slowly over time.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about oxymorphone or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Is my risk of side effects with oxymorphone higher if I have kidney or liver problems?
- What can I do to prevent constipation due to oxymorphone?
- How long will I take oxymorphone?
- Can you prescribe regular oxymorphone oral tablet instead of oxymorphone extended-release (ER)* tablet?
* “Extended release” means the drug is released in your body slowly over time.
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Oxymorphone hydrochloride extended-release tablets, for oral use CII. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/557e9610-62d7-42bf-90c1-44215bd8c1f8/spl-doc
- Oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets, for oral use CII. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/dcb5b5d2-7d0a-497a-8f1e-3b96fd43320b/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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