What is Infumorph?
Infumorph, an opioid medication, is used to treat chronic pain that is severe in children and adults.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Infumorph.
Side effects of Infumorph
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
If you take opioid medicine, it can cause your breathing to slow down or stop. Death may result. If you have long pauses in your breathing, blue lips, or are hard to awaken, someone caring for you may want to give you Naloxone and/or seek immediate medical attention.
Infumorph can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Slow heartbeat, sighing, and shallow breathing;
- Extreme drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out;
- Flushing (sudden heat, redness, or tingly sensation);
- A seizure;
- Serotonin levels are high in the body. This can cause agitation, hallucinations, and fever. It may also lead to muscle stiffness, twitching or jerking, loss of coordination, and nausea.
- Low cortisol levels can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and worsening fatigue or weakness.
People with chronic breathing disorders, wasting syndrome, and older adults are more susceptible to serious breathing problems.
Infumorph can cause the following side effects:
- Breathing problems
- Drowsiness, dizziness;
- Constipation, nausea, vomiting;
- Sweating;
- Your fingers and toes may feel tingly or numb.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
The misuse of opiates may lead to addiction, death, or overdose. Store Infumorph in a place where others cannot reach it.Opioid use during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms that are life-threatening for the baby.
Side effects that are fatal can occur if alcohol is consumed or if other drugs cause drowsiness and slow breathing.
Before you take this drug
If you've ever experienced an allergic reaction to Infumorph, other opioid medications, or any of the following:
- Severe asthma or breathing problems
- A stomach or obstruction in the bowel (including paralytic ileus);
- If you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days (such as isocarboxazid or linezolid), methylene blue, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine,
Inform your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Sleep apnea occurs when breathing problems occur during sleep.
- A head injury, brain tumor, or seizures;
- Drug or alcohol abuse, or mental illness.
- Urination problems
- Liver or kidney disease
- Pancreatitis.
Your baby may suffer from life-threatening withdrawal syndrome if you take opioids during pregnancy. You might need to seek medical attention for several weeks.If you notice that your baby is drowsy or breathing slowly, tell your doctor.
How to take Infumorph?
Read all the instructions and medication guides on the label. Infumorph should never be used in higher doses or for a longer period than prescribed. If you are feeling the urge to take more Infumorph, tell your doctor.Don't share opioid medications with anyone. This is especially true if the person has a history of drug addiction. Misuse of medication can cause addiction, death, or overdose. Keep the medication out of reach of others. This medicine is not to be sold or given away.
Infumorph can be injected either into a vein or muscle. Sometimes, this medicine is injected with an infusion device that regulates your dosage.If you suddenly stop taking Infumorph, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Before stopping the medication, consult your doctor.
Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature. Keep the auto injector in its original container until it is ready to use.Keep your medication in a safe place so that no one else can misuse it.Keep leftover medicine out of the reach of children. One dose of medicine can be fatal if it is used incorrectly or accidentally.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You are unlikely to miss a dosage of Infumorph because you will be receiving it in a hospital with a controlled pump.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. An overdose of opioids can be deadly, especially if the person is a child or if they are using them without a prescription.
You may be advised by your doctor to carry naloxone with you (a medicine that reverses an overdose). If you stop breathing or if you don't awaken, a person who cares for you can administer naloxone. You must still call for emergency medical assistance, and your carer may have to perform CPR on you while they wait.
Naloxone can be purchased at any local pharmacy or health department. Ensure that anyone who cares for you is aware of where and how you store naloxone.
What should be avoided?
Don't drink alcohol. Side effects and death can occur.
Infumorph can cause you to feel dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are sure how they will affect you. Dizziness and drowsiness may cause accidents or serious injuries.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs can be dangerous if used in conjunction with opioid medicines. Inform your doctor if:
- Other opioid medications
- A benzodiazepine sedative such as Valium or Klonopin
- Sleep medicine, muscle relaxants, or other drugs that make you sleepy;
- Drugs that affect serotonin, such as antidepressants or stimulants, medicine for migraines, or Parkinson’s disease
This list is incomplete. Infumorph may interact with many drugs, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions.
