Opana ER (Oxymorphone HCl) 40mg: Critical Safety Alert
Opana ER (oxymorphone hydrochloride extended-release) is a powerful prescription opioid analgesic used for the management of severe, around-the-clock pain. The 40mg strength is a high dose intended only for opioid–tolerant patients. Here’s a critical safety overview:
1. 🧪 Drug Profile
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Generic Name: Oxymorphone hydrochloride
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Formulation: Extended-release (ER) tablet designed to slowly release the medication over time.
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Potency: Oxymorphone is approximately 2-3 times more potent than oxycodone.
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Purpose: For severe, chronic pain requiring continuous, long-term opioid treatment.
2. ⚠️ Extreme Risks & Black Box Warnings
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ABUSE AND ADDICTION: Opana ER has a high potential for abuse and addiction which can lead to overdose and death.
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LIFE-THREATENING RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION: Serious, life-threatening, or fatal breathing problems can occur, especially when starting treatment or following a dose increase.
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ACCIDENTAL INGESTION: Accidental consumption of even one dose, especially by a child or non-opioid-tolerant person, can result in a fatal overdose.
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ABUSE VIA NON-ORAL ROUTES: Crushing, chewing, snorting, or injecting this formulation defeats the extended-release mechanism and can lead to a rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose.
3. 🚨 Critical Safety Information
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ONLY for Opioid-Tolerant Patients: This 40mg dose is not for opioid-naïve patients. It is only for patients already receiving equivalent opioid doses.
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Swallowing Whole is Mandatory: Tablets must be swallowed whole. Never crush, break, dissolve, or inject.
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Dangerous Interactions: Do NOT combine with:
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Alcohol
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Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)
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Other opioids or central nervous system (CNS) depressants
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Mixing greatly increases risk of respiratory depression and death.
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4. ✅ Safe Use Guidelines (For Prescribed Patients Only)
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Take exactly as prescribed — never increase dose or frequency without doctor instruction.
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Do not abruptly stop — can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Taper under medical supervision.
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Store securely — in a locked container to prevent theft, misuse, or accidental ingestion by others.
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Recognize overdose signs:
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Slow or stopped breathing
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Extreme drowsiness/inability to wake up
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Pinpoint pupils
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Cold, clammy skin
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