WARNING

Taking Arymo ER (generic morphine) involves several risks due to its potent nature as an opioid analgesic. Here’s a detailed look at the potential risks:

• Physical Dependence: With prolonged use, your body can become physically dependent on morphine. This means you might experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop the medication.
• Addiction: There is a risk of developing an addiction, characterized by a compulsive need to use the drug despite harmful consequences. This risk is higher with misuse or abuse of the medication.
• Slowed Breathing: Morphine can significantly slow your breathing. This is one of the most dangerous side effects and can be life-threatening if not addressed.
• Severe Cases: In severe cases, respiratory depression can lead to hypoxia (low oxygen levels) or even death.
• Symptoms: Signs of an overdose include severe drowsiness, slow or difficult breathing, and unresponsiveness. An overdose is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention.
• Management: Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose if administered promptly, but immediate medical attention is still necessary.
• Symptoms: Severe allergic reactions can include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. These can be severe and require immediate medical attention.
• Chronic Issue: Opioids like morphine commonly cause constipation, which can become severe and lead to complications such as bowel obstruction.
• Management: Adequate fluid intake, a high-fiber diet, and possibly laxatives as recommended by your healthcare provider can help manage this side effect.
• Cognitive Effects: Morphine can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive and motor functions. This affects your ability to perform tasks that require full attention, such as driving or operating machinery.
• Risk of Accidents: Impaired alertness increases the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Drug Interactions: Morphine can interact with other medications, including sedatives, antidepressants, and certain antifungals. These interactions can enhance side effects or reduce the efficacy of the medications.
• Consultation: Always inform your healthcare provider of all other medications and supplements you are taking to prevent harmful interactions.
• Symptoms: Morphine can cause a drop in blood pressure, leading to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when standing up quickly.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood pressure may be necessary, particularly if you have a history of cardiovascular issues.
• Increasing Dosage: Over time, your body may become tolerant to the effects of morphine, requiring higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. This increases the risk of dependence and side effects.
• Effects on Fetus and Infant: Morphine can affect an unborn baby or pass through breast milk to a nursing infant, potentially causing harm. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Risk of Misuse: Opioids have a high potential for misuse and abuse. Using morphine in ways not prescribed, such as crushing or injecting it, increases these risks.
• Security: Keep the medication in a secure place to prevent theft or misuse by others.

While Arymo ER is effective for managing severe pain, its use carries significant risks, particularly related to dependence, respiratory issues, and overdose. It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely, report any unusual symptoms or side effects, and regularly review your treatment plan to mitigate these risks.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Arymo ER (generic morphine) is prescribed primarily for the management of severe, ongoing pain that cannot be adequately controlled with other pain medications. It’s an extended-release formulation, meaning it’s designed to provide continuous pain relief over a longer period compared to immediate-release morphine. This is often used for patients with chronic pain conditions or those who require consistent, around-the-clock pain control. Because morphine is a strong opioid, it’s typically used when other pain management strategies have not been effective or are not suitable.

How should this medicine be used?

Arymo ER (generic morphine) should be used exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Here are some general guidelines for its use:

• Dosage: Take Arymo ER exactly as directed by your doctor. The dosage will depend on your specific pain management needs and your previous experience with opioid medications.
• Administration: Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets, as this can release the drug too quickly and increase the risk of serious side effects.
• Frequency: Arymo ER is typically taken every 12 hours. Follow your prescribed schedule, and do not take more or less than directed.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
• Storage: Store Arymo ER at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep it in a secure place out of reach of others, especially children, to prevent misuse.
• Disposal: Dispose of any unused or expired medication properly. Many pharmacies have drug take-back programs, or you can follow specific disposal instructions provided by your pharmacist.

Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to use Arymo ER or if you experience any side effects.

Other uses for this medicine

Arymo ER (generic morphine) is primarily prescribed for managing severe, chronic pain. However, in some cases, it may be used for:

• Cancer Pain: For patients with cancer who are experiencing significant pain.
• Palliative Care: To improve quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses by managing severe pain.
• Post-Surgical Pain: In certain situations, it might be used for pain management after major surgeries if the pain is severe and persistent.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Arymo ER:

• Dependence and Addiction: Morphine is an opioid and has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Use it exactly as prescribed and only for the duration recommended by your doctor.
• Respiratory Depression: Opioids can slow or stop your breathing, which is particularly dangerous if you have preexisting respiratory conditions. Report any breathing difficulties to your doctor immediately.
• Interactions: Inform your doctor of all other medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, as interactions can occur. This includes medications for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
• Alcohol and Drug Interactions: Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants while taking Arymo ER, as they can increase the risk of severe side effects.
• Medical Conditions: Notify your healthcare provider if you have a history of liver or kidney disease, head injury, seizures, or a history of substance abuse, as these conditions can affect how you should use morphine.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor the potential risks and benefits. Opioids can affect the baby and might be passed through breast milk.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Do not suddenly stop taking Arymo ER without your doctor’s guidance. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Be cautious when driving or operating heavy machinery, as Arymo ER can impair your ability to perform these tasks safely.

Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions and consult them if you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms while using Arymo ER.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions for Arymo ER. However, maintaining a balanced diet and drinking adequate fluids can help manage some common side effects of opioids, such as constipation. Eating fiber-rich foods and staying hydrated can be beneficial.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Timing: If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
• Taking a Missed Dose: If you remember a missed dose well before your next scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember.
• Consult Your Doctor: If you miss a dose and are unsure what to do, or if you frequently miss doses, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Arymo ER (generic morphine) can cause a range of side effects. Some of these may be mild, while others can be serious. Common and serious side effects include:

Common Side Effects:

• Constipation: Opioids frequently cause constipation. Staying hydrated and eating fiber-rich foods can help manage this.
• Nausea and Vomiting: These can occur, especially when starting the medication. Your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea medication if needed.
• Drowsiness: Morphine can cause sedation, so be cautious with activities requiring alertness, such as driving.
• Dry Mouth: Drinking plenty of fluids or using sugar-free gum can help alleviate this.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: This can happen, particularly when standing up quickly.

Serious Side Effects:

• Respiratory Depression: This is a severe and potentially life-threatening side effect where breathing slows or stops. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing.
• Severe Allergic Reactions: Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Low Blood Pressure: Symptoms include fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness, especially when standing up.
• Dependence and Addiction: Prolonged use can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Use it exactly as prescribed to minimize these risks.
• Severe Constipation: This can lead to bowel obstruction, which is a serious condition requiring medical attention.
• Report Severe Side Effects: Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any serious side effects or if common side effects persist or worsen.
• Seek Immediate Help: For severe reactions like difficulty breathing or severe allergic reactions, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and discuss any concerns or side effects with them to ensure safe and effective use of Arymo ER.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Arymo ER:

Storage:

• Store Arymo ER at room temperature, typically between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• Keep the medication in a dry place, away from moisture.
• Store it in a secure location out of reach of children and others who might misuse it.
• Keep the medication in its original container with the label intact.

Disposal:

• If available, use drug take-back programs or drop-off locations for safe disposal of unused or expired medication.
• Follow FDA guidelines for disposing of medications if a take-back program is not available. You can often find specific instructions on the FDA’s website or your local pharmacy’s guidelines.
• If no other options are available, you may dispose of the medication in household trash by mixing it with an undesirable substance (like used coffee grounds) and placing it in a sealed bag or container. Ensure the original container is disposed of properly.

In case of emergency/overdose

Symptoms of Overdose:

• Severe Drowsiness: Excessive sleepiness or inability to stay awake.
• Slow or Difficult Breathing: This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
• Blue or Pale Skin: Indicating lack of oxygen.
• Cold and Clammy Skin: Another sign of severe overdose.

What to Do:

• Seek Immediate Help: Call emergency services (911) or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
• Naloxone: In some cases, naloxone (Narcan) may be administered to reverse opioid overdose. Ensure that people close to you are aware of how to use naloxone in case of an emergency.
• Do Not Wait: Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Immediate action is critical.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Keep regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your response to the medication and adjust the dosage as needed.
• Medical Alerts: Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet if you are on long-term opioid therapy, to inform healthcare providers in case of emergencies.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications, supplements, and substances you are taking to avoid harmful interactions.
• Driving and Machinery: Be cautious with activities that require full alertness, as Arymo ER can impair your ability to perform these tasks safely.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and contact them if you have any questions or concerns about Arymo ER.