methadone-injection (cont.)
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, drowsiness, constipation, lightheadedness, or weakness may occur. Pain or redness at the injection site may also occur if this medication is given intramuscularly or subcutaneously. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: slow/fast/irregular heartbeats, fainting, slow/irregular/shallow breathing, mental/mood changes, severe stomach/abdominal pain, uncontrolled muscle movements (tremors), change in the amount of urine, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: serious breathing problems (e.g., severe asthma, respiratory depression, hypercarbia), certain bowel diseases (e.g., paralytic ileus), intoxication with medications which depress the nervous system or your breathing (CNS/respiratory depressants such as alcohol or tranquilizers/sedatives). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: brain disorders (e.g., seizure, head injury, increased intracranial pressure), decreased adrenal gland function (Addison's disease), kidney disease, liver disease, certain heart diseases (cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac conduction conditions such as prolonged QT interval, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat), lung diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypoxia, hypercapnia), psychiatric problems (e.g., major depression, toxic psychosis), personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol/other substances, metabolic disorders (e.g., low sodium, low body water), spinal problems (kyphoscoliosis), uncorrected low mineral levels in the blood (e.g., potassium and magnesium), severe obesity, disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., gallbladder disease, severe diarrhea or constipation), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate, urethral stricture). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Avoid alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Tell your doctor or dentist you are on this medication prior to having surgery. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects (e.g., slow/shallow breathing and drowsiness). Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to its side effects (e.g., slow/shallow breathing). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. It is not recommended for use near or at the time of delivery because of possible side effects (e.g., slow/shallow breathing) in the newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If you have been taking this medication regularly for an extended period of time or in high doses, do not suddenly stop taking it. Consult your doctor for further instructions. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended time may have withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, vomiting, or diarrhea. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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