Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This is especially important for elderly patients, who may be more sensitive to the effects of pain medicines. If too much of this medicine is taken for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).

It is very important that you understand the rules of the Opioid Analgesic REMS program to prevent addiction, abuse, and misuse of oxymorphone. This medicine should also come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

If you are using the extended-release tablets:

  • Swallow the extended-release tablets whole, one tablet at a time, with enough water to ensure complete swallowing immediately after placing it in the mouth. Do not crush, break, cut, dissolve, lick, or chew it.
  • While taking this medicine, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
    • For moderate to severe pain:
      • For patients who are not taking narcotic medicines:
        • Adults—At first, 5 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients switching from Opana® to Opana® ER:
        • Adults—At first, the dose is half of the total oral Opana® tablet that you are taking per day, every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients switching from oxymorphone injection to Opana® ER:
        • Adults—At first, the dose is 10 times the total oxymorphone injection dose that you are receiving per day given in 2 divided doses. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients switching from oral opioids to Opana® ER:
        • Adults—At first, the dose is half of the total daily dose that you are taking per day, every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For moderate to severe pain:
      • For patients who are not taking narcotic medicines:
        • Adults—At first, 10 to 20 milligrams (mg) every 4 to 6 hours per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
        • Children—Use is not recommended.
      • For patients switching from oxymorphone injection to Opana®:
        • Adults—At first, the dose is 10 times the total oxymorphone injection dose that you are receiving per day, divided into 4 to 6 equal doses. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
        • Children—Use is not recommended.
      • For patients switching from oral opioids to Opana®:
        • Adults—At first, the dose is half of the total daily dose that you are taking per day, divided into 4 to 6 equal doses, every 4 to 6 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
        • Children—Use is not recommended.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Oxymorphone can cause serious unwanted effects if taken by adults who are not used to strong narcotic pain medicines, children, or pets. Make sure you store the medicine in a safe and secure place to prevent others from getting it.

Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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