Morphine, Slow Release (By Mouth)

Morphine (MOR-feen)

Treats moderate to severe pain when around-the-clock pain relief is needed for a long period of time. Slow-release morphine is a narcotic that should not be taken more often than every 8 to 24 hours.

Brand Name(s):

MS Contin, Kadian, Oramorph SR
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, oxycodone, or brands such as Tylox®, Tylenol® No. 3, Vicodin®. You should not use this medicine if you have breathing problems, severe asthma, or a stomach problem known as paralytic ileus.

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Capsule, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to. Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Some brands may need to be taken at different time intervals than others.
• Swallow the medicine whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Do not take any tablet that has been chipped or broken in the bottle. Taking a broken tablet can cause this medicine to be released into your bloodstream too quickly, which could lead to accidentally taking a dangerously high dose.
• If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and mix the medicine pellets with a small amount of applesauce, pudding, juice, or water. Swallow the mixture right away, without chewing or crushing the pellets.
• You may take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Drink plenty of water and get plenty of exercise to avoid constipation.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

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

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using buprenorphine (Buprenex®), butorphanol (Stadol®), cyclosporine (Neoral®), esmolol (Brevibloc®), methohexital (Brevital®), nalbuphine (Nubain®), pentazocine (Talwin®), rifampin (Rifamate®, Rifater®), tramadol (Ultram®), diuretics ("water pills"), or phenothiazines (such as Compazine®, Phenergan®), or an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Parnate®).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any other medicine for pain relief, or any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, or sedatives).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have emphysema or other breathing problems, stomach problems or intestinal blockage, low blood pressure, seizures, Addison's disease, liver or kidney disease, pancreatitis, prostate disorders, thyroid disorders, problems with urination, or a history of depression, mental illness, alcoholism, head injury, or brain tumor.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not take more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions. Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Confusion, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Extreme weakness, shallow breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, cold or clammy skin
• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision
• Feelings of extreme happiness or sadness
• Nausea or vomiting

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.