Patients and Caregivers
Purdue is a pioneer in healthcare, with a patient-first approach in developing medicines. We combine medical science with compassionate care in every phase of drug research and manufacturing.
For each prescription medication listed below, you can readily access the MEDICATION GUIDE and FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION when you click on the links below the product name.
Information About Safe Disposal of Opioids
Safety Data Sheet
Please read Prescribing Information available here.
For more information, visit www.nalmefenehcl.com.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Nalmefene Hydrochloride Injection is indicated for the complete or partial reversal of opioid drug effects, including respiratory depression, induced by either natural or synthetic opioids.
Nalmefene Hydrochloride Injection is indicated in the management of known or suspected opioid overdose.
CONTRAINDICATION
Nalmefene Hydrochloride injection is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the product.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Use of Nalmefene Hydrochloride injection in Emergencies
Nalmefene Hydrochloride injection, like all drugs in this class, is not the primary treatment for ventilatory failure. In most emergency settings, treatment with Nalmefene Hydrochloride injection should follow, not precede, the establishment of a patent airway, ventilatory assistance, administration of oxygen, and establishment of circulatory access.
Risk of Recurrent Respiratory Depression
Accidental overdose with long acting opioids [such as methadone and levo-alpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM)] may result in prolonged respiratory depression. Respiratory depression in both the postoperative and overdose setting may be complex and involve the effects of anesthetic agents, neuromuscular blockers, and other drugs. While Nalmefene Hydrochloride injection has a longer duration of action than naloxone in fully reversing doses, the physician should be aware that a recurrence of respiratory depression is possible, even after an apparently adequate initial response to Nalmefene Hydrochloride injection treatment.
Patients treated with Nalmefene Hydrochloride injection should be observed until, in the opinion of the physician, there is no reasonable risk of recurrent respiratory depression.
Cardiovascular Risks with Narcotic Antagonists
Pulmonary edema, cardiovascular instability, hypotension, hypertension, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation have been reported in connection with opioid reversal in both postoperative and emergency department settings. In many cases, these effects appear to be the result of abrupt reversal of opioid effects.
Although Nalmefene Hydrochloride injection has been used safely in patients with pre-existing cardiac disease, all drugs of this class should be used with caution in patients at high cardiovascular risk or who have received potentially cardiotoxic drugs
Risk of Precipitated Withdrawal
Nalmefene Hydrochloride injection, like other opioid antagonists, is known to produce acute withdrawal symptoms and, therefore, should be used with extreme caution in patients with known physical dependence on opioids or following surgery involving high doses of opioids. Imprudent use or excessive doses of opioid antagonists in the postoperative setting has been associated with hypertension, tachycardia, and excessive mortality in patients at high risk for cardiovascular complications.
Incomplete Reversal of Buprenorphine
Preclinical studies have shown that nalmefene at doses up to 10 mg/kg (437 times the maximum recommended human dose) produced incomplete reversal of buprenorphine-induced analgesia in animal models. This appears to be a consequence of a high affinity and slow displacement of buprenorphine from the opioid receptors. Hence, Nalmefene Hydrochloride injection may not completely reverse buprenorphine-induced respiratory depression.
Use in Pediatric Patients
Safety and effectiveness of nalmefene hydrochloride injection in pediatric patients have not been established.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions (>1%) reported in clinical trials with nalmefene injection were nausea (18%), vomiting (9%), tachycardia (5%), hypertension (5%), postoperative pain (4%), fever (3%), and dizziness (3%).
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Purdue Pharma L.P. at 1-888-726-7535 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Please read Prescribing Information available here
Prescription Opioids
Prescription opioid medicines are controlled substances. It is VERY IMPORTANT to read the Medication Guide that comes with your prescription medicine.
What is the Medication Guide?
- The Medication Guide is an FDA-approved document written in non-medical language so that the general public can more easily understand the information and the important warnings
- The Medication Guide is a 1-page, 1-sided document that explains how to safely use, store, and dispose of your used or unused prescription medicine
- The Medication Guide will include important information specific to the medicine you were prescribed
- This document is given to you when you receive your prescription from the pharmacy
- Your healthcare team (your doctor, nurse, physician assistant, and/or pharmacist) needs you to follow all of the instructions in the Medication Guide. Staying informed about your medicine can help with a treatment plan that’s appropriate for you
Where can I find the Medication Guide for my Purdue medicine?
Click on the Medication Guide links under the prescription medications below. You can also ask your pharmacist, doctor, nurse, or physician assistant for the Medication Guide. If you have any questions about your prescription or the Medication Guide, ask your healthcare provider.
Butrans® (buprenorphine) Transdermal System CIII
WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF BUTRANS
Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse
Because the use of BUTRANS exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression
Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of BUTRANS, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of BUTRANS are essential. Misuse or abuse of BUTRANS by chewing, swallowing, snorting or injecting buprenorphine extracted from the transdermal system will result in the uncontrolled delivery of buprenorphine and pose a significant risk of overdose and death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Accidental Exposure
Accidental exposure of even one dose of BUTRANS, especially in children, can result in a fatal overdose of buprenorphine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants
Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of BUTRANS and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Drug Interactions (7)].
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)
If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of NOWS, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)
Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to complete a REMS-compliant education program and to counsel patients and caregivers on serious risks, safe use, and the importance of reading the Medication Guide with each prescription [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Hysingla® ER (hydrocodone bitartrate) extended-release tablets CII
WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF HYSINGLA ER
Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse
Because the use of HYSINGLA ER exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression
Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of HYSINGLA ER, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of HYSINGLA ER are essential. Instruct patients to swallow HYSINGLA ER tablets whole; crushing, chewing, or dissolving HYSINGLA ER tablets can cause rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of hydrocodone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Accidental Ingestion
Accidental ingestion of even one dose of HYSINGLA ER, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of hydrocodone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants
Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of HYSINGLA ER and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Drug Interactions (7)].
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)
If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of NOWS, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)
Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to complete a REMS-compliant education program and to counsel patients and caregivers on serious risks, safe use, and the importance of reading the Medication Guide with each prescription [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Cytochrome P450 3A4 Interaction
The concomitant use of HYSINGLA ER with all cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors may result in an increase in hydrocodone plasma concentrations, which could increase or prolong adverse reactions and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression. In addition, discontinuation of a concomitantly used cytochrome P450 3A4 inducer may result in an increase in hydrocodone plasma concentration. Regularly evaluate patients receiving HYSINGLA ER and any CYP3A4 inhibitor or inducer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Drug Interactions (7), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
OxyContin® (oxycodone HCl) extended-release tablets CII
WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF OXYCONTIN
Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse
Because the use of OXYCONTIN exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression
Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of OXYCONTIN, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of OXYCONTIN are essential. Instruct patients to swallow OXYCONTIN tablets whole; crushing, chewing, or dissolving OXYCONTIN tablets can cause rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of oxycodone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Accidental Ingestion
Accidental ingestion of even one dose of OXYCONTIN, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of oxycodone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants
Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of OXYCONTIN and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Drug Interactions (7)].
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)
If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of NOWS, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)
Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to complete a REMS-compliant education program and to counsel patients and caregivers on serious risks, safe use, and the importance of reading the Medication Guide with each prescription [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Cytochrome P450 3A4 Interaction
The concomitant use of OXYCONTIN with all cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors may result in an increase in oxycodone plasma concentrations, which could increase or prolong adverse drug effects and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression. In addition, discontinuation of a concomitantly used cytochrome P450 3A4 inducer may result in an increase in oxycodone plasma concentration. Regularly evaluate patients receiving OXYCONTIN and any CYP3A4 inhibitor or inducer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Drug Interactions (7), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].