WARNING

Hydromorphone is a potent opioid medication used to relieve severe pain. Like other opioids, it carries several risks, including:

• Addiction: Hydromorphone can be addictive, especially when used for long periods or at high doses. It affects the brain’s reward system, leading to psychological dependence.
• Physical dependence: Prolonged use can lead to physical dependence, where the body adapts to the presence of the drug and experiences withdrawal symptoms when it’s discontinued.
• Respiratory depression: Hydromorphone can slow down breathing, particularly in high doses or when combined with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines. This can be life-threatening.
• Sedation and drowsiness: It can cause extreme drowsiness, impairing one’s ability to concentrate, drive, or operate machinery safely.
• Constipation: Opioids like hydromorphone often cause constipation, which can be severe and persistent.
• Nausea and vomiting: These are common side effects of hydromorphone use, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dosage.
• Hypotension: Hydromorphone can cause low blood pressure, leading to dizziness, fainting, or falls, especially when standing up quickly.
• Risk of overdose: Taking too much hydromorphone, either accidentally or intentionally, can lead to overdose, which can be fatal due to respiratory depression or cardiovascular collapse.
• Interactions with other medications: Hydromorphone can interact with other drugs, especially other central nervous system depressants, increasing the risk of side effects or overdose.
• Tolerance: Over time, the body may develop tolerance to hydromorphone, requiring higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief, increasing the risk of side effects and overdose.

It’s essential for individuals taking hydromorphone to use it exactly as prescribed by their healthcare provider and to be aware of these risks. Close monitoring by a healthcare professional is crucial to manage these risks effectively.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Hydromorphone is a potent opioid medication primarily prescribed for the management of severe pain. It’s often used when other pain medications haven’t provided adequate relief or when the pain is so intense that it requires a strong opioid.

Common situations where hydromorphone might be prescribed include:

• Post-surgical Pain: After major surgeries, hydromorphone may be used to manage the acute pain during the recovery period.
• Cancer Pain: Hydromorphone is often used in cancer patients experiencing severe pain, especially when other pain management strategies are insufficient.
• Traumatic Injuries: Severe traumatic injuries, such as those from accidents or burns, may require hydromorphone to manage the associated pain.
• Terminal Illnesses: In palliative care, hydromorphone may be prescribed to alleviate severe pain in patients with terminal illnesses, such as late-stage cancer.

How should this medicine be used?

Hydromorphone should be used exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Here are some general guidelines for its use:

• Dosage: Take hydromorphone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage can vary based on factors such as the severity of pain, individual tolerance, and whether you are already using other opioid medications.
• Form: Hydromorphone is available in various forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and oral solutions. Follow the specific instructions provided for the form of hydromorphone prescribed to you.
• Timing: Take hydromorphone as directed by your doctor. If it’s an immediate-release formulation, it’s usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain relief. Extended-release formulations are typically taken once or twice daily.
• Do Not Crush or Chew: If you are prescribed tablets or capsules, swallow them whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break them, as this can cause the medication to be released too quickly, leading to potentially dangerous side effects.
• Avoid Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking hydromorphone, as it can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty breathing.
• Monitor for Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects of hydromorphone, including constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and respiratory depression. If you experience severe or concerning side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Avoid Suddenly Stopping: Do not stop taking hydromorphone suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may need to gradually reduce your dosage to safely discontinue the medication.
• Store Safely: Store hydromorphone securely in a place inaccessible to others, especially children or individuals with a history of drug misuse or addiction.
• Dispose of Unused Medication Properly: Dispose of any unused hydromorphone according to local guidelines or through a drug take-back program to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.

Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about how to use hydromorphone safely and effectively.

Other uses for Ergoloid Mesylates

Hydromorphone is primarily prescribed for pain management, but there are some off-label or less common uses for the medication. These might include:

• Chronic Pain: In some cases, hydromorphone may be prescribed for chronic pain conditions, such as severe back pain or neuropathic pain, when other treatments have been ineffective.
• Labor Pain: In certain situations, hydromorphone may be used during labor for pain relief, particularly if other pain management options are not suitable or available.
• Palliative Care: Hydromorphone can be used to alleviate severe pain in patients receiving palliative care for terminal illnesses other than cancer.

What special precautions should I follow?

Regarding special precautions for hydromorphone use, here are some important considerations:

• Risk of Addiction: Hydromorphone is an opioid medication with a high potential for addiction, abuse, and misuse. It should be used cautiously and only as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• Respiratory Depression: Hydromorphone can cause respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening, especially when starting treatment or when the dosage is increased. Patients should be closely monitored for signs of respiratory depression, and the dosage should be adjusted accordingly.
• Interaction with Other Medications: Hydromorphone can interact with other medications, especially other opioids, benzodiazepines, sedatives, and alcohol. These interactions can increase the risk of side effects such as respiratory depression and sedation. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements.
• Contraindications: Hydromorphone is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug, as well as in patients with respiratory depression in the absence of resuscitative equipment, severe bronchial asthma or hypercarbia, and paralytic ileus.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Hydromorphone should be used with caution during pregnancy, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. It should also be used cautiously while breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk and may cause respiratory depression in the infant.
• Tolerance and Dependence: Prolonged use of hydromorphone can lead to tolerance (requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect) and physical dependence (experiencing withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing the medication). It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when tapering off hydromorphone to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Hydromorphone can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired cognitive function, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Avoid these activities until you know how hydromorphone affects you.

Always discuss any concerns or questions about hydromorphone with your healthcare provider to ensure safe and appropriate use.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Special dietary instructions for hydromorphone are generally not necessary. However, if constipation becomes an issue, increasing dietary fiber intake and staying hydrated can help alleviate symptoms.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of hydromorphone, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to the time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one. If you’re unsure about what to do, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Hydromorphone, like other opioid medications, can cause a range of side effects. Common side effects include:

• Nausea and Vomiting: Many people experience nausea or vomiting when taking hydromorphone, especially when first starting the medication. This side effect may improve over time.
• Constipation: Opioids like hydromorphone commonly cause constipation. It’s important to maintain adequate hydration, consume a high-fiber diet, and consider using stool softeners or laxatives as directed by your doctor to prevent or alleviate constipation.
• Dizziness and Drowsiness: Hydromorphone can cause dizziness and drowsiness, which can impair your ability to concentrate or operate machinery safely.
• Headache: Some individuals may experience headaches as a side effect of hydromorphone.
• Dry Mouth: Hydromorphone can lead to dry mouth, which may increase the risk of dental issues such as tooth decay or gum disease.
• Sweating: Excessive sweating, particularly night sweats, can occur in some individuals taking hydromorphone.
• Itching: Itching or pruritus is a potential side effect of hydromorphone, though it is less common compared to other opioids.
• Respiratory Depression: In high doses or in susceptible individuals, hydromorphone can cause respiratory depression, which is characterized by slow or shallow breathing. This is a serious side effect that requires immediate medical attention.
• Hypotension: Hydromorphone can cause low blood pressure, leading to symptoms such as dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when standing up quickly from a sitting or lying position.
• Urinary Retention: Some individuals may experience difficulty or inability to urinate while taking hydromorphone.
• Serotonin Syndrome: In rare cases, hydromorphone can cause serotonin syndrome when combined with certain other medications, particularly serotonergic antidepressants. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, elevated body temperature, and sweating.

It’s essential to discuss any side effects you experience with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on managing side effects and may adjust your treatment regimen if necessary. Additionally, if you experience severe or concerning side effects, seek medical attention promptly.

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

Storage and disposal of hydromorphone:

• Storage: Keep hydromorphone in a secure location out of reach of children and pets. Store it at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Avoid storing it in the bathroom or kitchen where it could be exposed to moisture.
• Disposal: Dispose of any unused hydromorphone properly to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse. Follow local guidelines for medication disposal, which may include using drug take-back programs or participating in community disposal events. If no specific disposal instructions are available, mix the medication with an undesirable substance (such as coffee grounds or kitty litter) in a sealed plastic bag before throwing it in the trash.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Call Emergency Services: If you suspect an overdose of hydromorphone or someone is experiencing severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, or loss of consciousness, call emergency services immediately.
• Administer Naloxone (if available): Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose, including hydromorphone. If you have naloxone on hand, administer it according to the instructions provided.
• Provide Support: Stay with the person until help arrives. Keep them lying down and monitor their breathing and vital signs.

What other information should I know?

• Avoid Mixing with Alcohol or other Drugs: Avoid consuming alcohol or taking other medications (especially other opioids, benzodiazepines, or sedatives) while taking hydromorphone, as this can increase the risk of dangerous side effects such as respiratory depression.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Hydromorphone can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired cognitive function, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Avoid these activities until you know how hydromorphone affects you.
• Regular Monitoring: Regularly visit your healthcare provider for follow-up appointments while taking hydromorphone. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or treatment plan based on your response to the medication and any side effects you experience.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before taking hydromorphone. The medication may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and alternative pain management options may be considered.
• Medical Alert: Inform healthcare providers (including dentists and emergency responders) that you are taking hydromorphone, as it may interact with other medications or affect anesthesia during medical procedures.
• Avoid Crushing or Chewing: If you are prescribed tablets or capsules, swallow them whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break them, as this can cause the medication to be released too quickly, leading to potentially dangerous side effects.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully when taking hydromorphone and consult them if you have any questions or concerns.