morphine extended-release capsule - oral, Avinza

Surprising Reasons You're in Pain Slideshow Pictures Back Pain Myths and Facts Slideshow Take the Pain Quiz!

GENERIC NAME: MORPHINE EXTENDED-RELEASE CAPSULE - ORAL (MORE-feen)

BRAND NAME(S): Avinza

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Crushing or chewing this medication or using any alcohol may suddenly release a very large (possibly fatal) amount of drug into your body. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve this medication or the contents of the capsules. Also, do not drink alcohol or use any product that contains alcohol while taking this medication. Check product labels carefully or ask your pharmacist if you are unsure whether a product contains alcohol.

USES: This medication is used to treat moderate to severe long-term pain (usually lasting longer than a few days). It acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. This medication is a long-acting narcotic pain reliever (opiate-type).Use this medication on a regular schedule as prescribed by your doctor, not as needed.You should use the stronger forms of this medication (45, 60, 75, 90, and 120 milligrams per capsule) only if you have already been regularly taking moderate to large amounts of a powerful narcotic medication (such as morphine, oxycodone). A person who has not been taking powerful narcotics regularly can develop serious (possibly fatal) breathing problems (such as very slow and shallow breathing) if they take these strong capsules.

HOW TO USE: See also Warning section.Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. If you have nausea, it may help to take this drug with food. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (such as taking antihistamines, lying down for 1 to 2 hours with as little head movement as possible). Swallow the capsules whole.If you are an adult and have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open the capsule and carefully sprinkle its contents on a spoonful of soft, cool applesauce just before you take it. Swallow all of the drug/food mixture immediately without chewing. Then rinse your mouth and swallow the rinse liquid to make sure that you have swallowed all of the medicine. Do not chew the mixture or prepare a supply in advance.Children should not be given this medication by opening the capsules and sprinkling it on applesauce. There is a risk that a child may chew the drug/food mixture, which can result in a fatal overdose of morphine. See also Warning section and talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more details.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, take the medication more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.Do not take more than 1600 milligrams of this medication per day. Doing so may allow an ingredient (fumaric acid) in the capsule to damage your kidneys. If you need more than 1600 milligrams per day, your doctor should switch you to another form of morphine or a stronger medication.You may also take quick-acting narcotic pain medications for sudden (breakthrough) pain if so directed by your doctor. Also follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions for safely using non-narcotic pain relievers (such as naproxen, ibuprofen). If you have been using other long-acting narcotic pain medications or narcotic patches regularly, check with your doctor or pharmacist because you may need to stop using them before you start using this medication. If you are currently using a narcotic patch (such as fentanyl), the effects may continue after it is removed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist when it will be safe to start taking this medication (usually 18 hours after removing the patch).This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as restlessness, watery eyes, widened pupils, sweating, runny nose) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Your doctor may need to increase your dose or change your medication. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.Along with its benefits, this medication may rarely cause abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction). This risk may be increased if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past. Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lessen the risk of addiction.Tell your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.

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. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.