What is Zohydro ER?
Zohydro ER is an opioid painkiller.Zohydro ER is a capsule with extended release to treat extreme pain.Zohydro ER capsules are not to be used on an as-needed basis to treat discomfort.
Warnings
Hydrocodone can slur or even cease breathing. Don't use Zohydro ER in higher doses or for a longer period than recommended. Don't crush, break, or break an extended-release tablet. Inhale it all in order to prevent exposure to a possibly fatal dose.
Hydrocodone can be addictive, even in high doses. Don't give Zohydro ER to anyone else, particularly someone with a history of substance abuse or addiction. Make sure the medication is kept in a location where other people can't access it.
A MISUSE OF OPIOID MEDICINE can lead to addiction, overdose, or even death. Keep Zohydro ER in an area where no one else can access it.Consult your physician if you are expecting. Hydrocodone can cause withdrawal symptoms that could be life-threatening for babies when the mother has taken the medication during the course of pregnancy.The risk of fatal side effects could occur when you take Zohydro ER along with alcohol or other substances that can cause drowsiness or slow breathing.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to use Zohydro ER. If you are sensitive to hydrocodone or if you suffer from:
- Serious, severe asthma or breathing issues severe asthma or breathing problems.
- A blockage in your stomach or the intestines.
To ensure that Zohydro ER is safe for you, inform your doctor that you've had:
- Breathing issues sleep apnea
- A head injury, brain tumor, or seizures;
- Alcohol or drug addiction or mental illness
- Problems with urination;
- Kidney disease or liver failure;
- Issues with your gallbladder, thyroid, or pancreas; problems with your thyroid, pancreas, or gallbladder;
- A heart rhythm disorder called long QT syndrome.
If you are using Zohydro ER while you're pregnant, your baby may develop a dependence on hydrocodone. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms for the newborn after it's born. Children who are dependent on opioids might require medical attention for a few weeks.
Talk to a doctor prior to taking Zohydro ER when you are nursing. Tell your doctor if you notice a sudden increase in sleepiness or a slow breathing rate during breastfeeding.
How to take Zohydro ER?
Zohydro ER could be habit-forming even in regular dosages. Follow the instructions on the prescription label, and be sure to read all the medication guidelines. Do not take hydrocodone in greater quantities or for a longer period than prescribed. Inform your doctor if you notice an increase in your desire to take a greater dose of this medication.
Don't ever share Zohydro ER with anyone else, particularly someone who has an addiction history. The misuse of the drug can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Keep Zohydro ER in a place that is secure and where no one else can access it. Offering or selling opioid medicine is against the law.
The dosage requirements for you may differ if you have recently taken a similar opioid pain medication that your body is intolerant to. Consult your physician if you're not sure you're opioid-tolerant.Do not break, crush, or open an extended-release Zohydro ER capsule. Swallow the capsule whole to be safe from exposure to a potentially fatal dose. Never break or crush capsules to breathe in the powder or mix it with liquid in order to inject it into the vein. This can cause death.
Don't stop taking this medication suddenly following the duration of use, or you may experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Discuss with your doctor the best way to stop using this medication.Place it in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and light. Be aware of the medication you are taking. You must be aware if you are using the medicine improperly or without a prescription.
Don't store any leftover medication for opioids. A single dose can cause death if someone is using the medication in error or incorrectly. Ask your pharmacist for a disposal program for take-back. If there's no take-back system, then flush any unneeded medicine down the drain.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Pain:
The following recommendations on dosing should only be considered suggestions for what is actually an array of clinical decisions over time. Each patient must be treated in a unique manner.
As First Opioid Analgesic and for Patients who are NOT Opioid Tolerant:
Extended Release Zohydro ER Capsules: Initial dosage: 10 mg in a single dose every twelve hours.
Comments:
The use of higher doses for patients who aren't opioid-tolerant can result in fatal respiratory depression. Be sure to monitor patients for signs of respiratory depression, particularly between 24 and 72 hours.
An opioid-tolerant patient is one who is receiving for one week or more at the very least oral morphine at 60 mg/day, fentanyl transdermal patches at 25 mg/hour, oral oxycodone at 30 mg/day, oral hydromorphone at 8 mg/day, oral oxymorphone at 25 mg/day, or an equivalent dose of a different opioid.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Because Zohydro ER is used for pain, you're not likely to skip the dose. Do not miss any doses in the event that it's almost time for the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention immediately or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of hydrocodone can be fatal, particularly in children or anyone else who is taking the medication without a prescription. Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness and apprehensive pupils, a slow breathing rate, or a lack of breathing.
A doctor may suggest you take Naloxone (a medication to treat an overdose of opioids) and always carry it in your bag. The person who is caring for you may give you Naloxone in the event that you lose your breath or don't regain consciousness. The caregiver should still seek medical assistance in an emergency and might need to administer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on you while they wait for assistance to arrive.
Naloxone can be purchased from the local pharmacy or health department. It is important that everyone who cares for you is aware of the location where you keep your naloxone and how to utilize it.
Avoid this
Don't drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or even death could happen.Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand how hydrocodone affects your health. Dizziness or drowsiness could result in accidents, falls, or serious injuries.
Side effects of Zohydro ER
Contact emergency medical assistance. If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction, Zohydro ER Hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue
Opioid medicines can slow or stop breathing, and death could occur. Anyone who cares for you must administer Naloxone or seek medical attention if you experience prolonged breathing, pauses in your breathing, blue-colored lips, or if you find it difficult to get up.
Stop taking Zohydro ER and call your doctor immediately if you are suffering from:
- Sighing, noisy breathing, deep breathing, breath that stops when you sleep
- A slow heart rate or an irregular pulse
- Burning or pain during urination;
- Confusion, tremors, and severe drowsiness;
- You feel lightheaded, like you're passing out.
- Low levels of cortisol—nausea, vomiting, nausea, or loss of appetite. Dizziness, fatigue that is worsening, or weakness;
- Serotonin levels are high within the body, causing symptoms such as hallucinations, agitation, fever, sweating, rapid heart rate, shivering, and muscle stiffness. Twitching, loss of coordination, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea
Breathing problems that are serious could be more common for older people and those with a debilitating condition or who suffer from wasting syndrome or chronic breathing conditions.
You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms of serotonin syndrome, for example: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, rapid heart rate, muscle stiffness, shaking, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
The long-term use of opioids can alter fertility (the ability to have kids) for women or men. It isn't known if the effects of opioids on fertility are permanent.
The most common Zohydro ER side effects may include:
- Constipation, nausea, vomiting;
- Dizziness, drowsiness, or feeling tired;
- Headache
- Signs of a cold, like congestion, sneezing, and a sore throat.
It's not a complete listing of all possible adverse consequences, but other effects might occur. See your physician for recommendations on the effects of medicine. If you experience any side negative effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
There may be breathing issues or withdrawal symptoms if you discontinue or start taking other medications. Talk to your doctor if you also take any antibiotic or antifungal medication. Blood pressure or heart-related medications, seizure medication, or a medicine for treating HIV as well as Hepatitis C.
Opioid medications may interact with other drugs, causing deadly side effects or even death. Be sure your doctor is aware if you take:
- Medicine for allergies or colds, such as bronchodilator asthma/COPD medicine or diuretic ("water pill");
- Medicine to treat motion sickness, IBS, motion sickness, or bladder overactivity;
- Other opioids: pain medication for opioids and prescription medicine for cough
- An sedative similar to Valium (also known as diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, Xanax, Klonopin, Versed, and others);
- Drugs that can make you feel sleepy or cause breathing to slow, such as a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for treating mental or mood disorders,
- Drugs that alter serotonin levels within your body as a stimulant or medication for Parkinson's disease, depression, severe infections, migraines, vomiting, or nausea.
This list isn't complete. Other drugs can be incompatible with hydrocodone, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. The interactions of hydrocodone aren't all mentioned here.
