Hydromorphone (Rectal)

Introduction

Hydromorphone (hye-droe-MOR-fone)

Relieves moderate to severe pain. This medicine is a narcotic pain reliever.

Brand Name(s)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Suppository

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Never take rectal suppositories by mouth.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Remove the foil or wrapper from the suppository before inserting it.
• To make the suppository easier to insert, you may use a lubricating gel such as K-Y® Jelly, but do not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline®).
• Lie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch.
• Keep lying down for about 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out before it melts. Then, wash your hands again.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use 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

• You may store the suppositories in the refrigerator, but do not freeze them.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine applicator(s), containers, and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

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 using an MAO inhibitor such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®.
• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
• There are many medicines that can interact with hydromorphone. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have any allergies.
• Tell your doctor if you have asthma, lung disease, or any other breathing problems. Make sure your doctor knows if you have recently had a head injury or surgery.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have Addison's disease, seizure disorder, kidney disease, liver disease, gallbladder disease, ulcerative colitis, or underactive thyroid. Your doctor should know if you have problems with urination or an enlarged prostate.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse or mental illness.
• This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• This medicine may cause constipation. This is more common if you use it for a long time. Ask your doctor if you should also use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

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 your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Decrease in how much and how often you urinate or unable to urinate.
• Fast, slow, uneven, or pounding heartbeat.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Muscle movements you cannot control.
• Severe stomach pain.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, or bluish-colored skin.
• Tremors or seizure.
• Severe drowsiness.
• Shallow breathing.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, hands, or upper chest.

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

• Blurred vision.
• Confusion, agitation, anxiety, or headache.
• Changes in your mood or behavior.
• Dry mouth, loss of appetite.
• Mild stomach pain or constipation.
• Feeling sleepy or weakness.
• Mild skin rash or itching.
• Nausea or vomiting.

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088