Opana ER 30mg Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Recalls

Opana ER 30mg is an obsolete extended-release formulation of oxymorphone hydrochloride, an opioid analgesic. It was designed for use in adults who require around-the-clock treatment with an opioid for management of severe and persistent pain when other treatment options are inadequate. Opana ER was not for occasional or “as needed” pain control.

What Is Opana ER 30mg?

Opana ER contains the semi-synthetic opioid oxymorphone hydrochloride, which works on opioid receptors in the central nervous system to decrease the perception and response to pain. FDA historical labelling included Opana ER tablets in strengths of 5 mg through 40 mg, including 30 mg.

But it’s important to understand where the product is now. In 2017, Endo voluntarily pulled reformulated Opana ER from the U.S. market at the FDA’s request and the FDA then withdrew approval of Endo’s Opana ER application. Therefore, the existence of historical information for Opana ER should not be interpreted as confirmation of the current marketed status of the branded 30 mg product.

Uses of Opana ER 30mg

In the past, Opana ER was used to treat pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, opioid pain medication when other treatments have not been effective. Due to the significant risks associated with extended-release opioids, the FDA recommends that this class of drugs be limited to carefully selected patients with severe, chronic pain.

Extended Release Pain Management

Extended-release formulation is designed to release medication over an extended period of time, as opposed to an immediate-release pain medicine. Opana ER was designed for ongoing pain management and not episodic breakthrough pain.

Opioid Treatment Needs Medical Oversight

Because oxymorphone is a potent opioid, health care providers should consider the patient’s pain, prior opioid use, medical history and risk factors before choosing an appropriate therapy. The FDA recommends that the lowest effective opioid dose consistent with treatment goals be used, and that ongoing therapy be carefully reevaluated.

## How Oxymorphone Works Oxymorphone is an opioid medication that is prescribed for pain. It works by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This action changes how the nerves in your body send and receive pain signals. When you take oxymorphone, it starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes. The effects can last for about 4 to 8 hours, depending on how often you take it. Oxymorphone is available in different forms, including immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsul

Oxymorphone is an opioid agonist. It works on opioid receptors in the nervous system to produce analgesic effects. Thus it can lessen the strength with which a person feels pain.

But that same opioid activity can also cause sedation, respiratory depression, constipation, nausea and physical dependence. Therefore, opioid therapy should be carefully monitored and adhere to the prescribing information provided by a qualified healthcare professional.

Opana ER 30mg Side Effects

Opana ER has serious risks of opioid addiction and overdose. Opioids are known to cause life-threatening respiratory depression, particularly when initiating therapy or increasing the dose. The risk is also increased when opioids are used with other central nervous system depressants.

Alcohol and Other Depressants

Patients should not drink alcohol while taking opioid medicines unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional. Concomitant use of opioids with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.

Addiction, Dependence and Misuse

Opioids can lead to physical dependence, tolerance, addiction and misuse. Therefore, patients should only use opioid medicines under proper medical supervision and should never share their medicines with another person.

Extended-Release Tablets Must Be Taken Correctly

The historical labelling for Opana ER instructed patients to swallow the tablets whole and not to crush, chew, dissolve or otherwise alter them. Breaking an extended-release tablet can cause the drug to be released too quickly and lead to a potentially fatal overdose.

Possible side effects.

Many side effects may be caused by opioid drugs. Oxymorphone and opioid therapy may cause the following common side effects:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting
• Constipation .
• Sleepiness
• Lightheadedness
• Headaches
• itch
• Sedatives

More serious effects can include severe respiratory depression, profound sedation, allergic reactions and overdose. Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of severely slow or difficult breathing, extreme sleepiness, inability to wake up or loss of consciousness.

Who Should Not Take Opana ER?

Important contraindications and precautions are described in the FDA labelling for oxymorphone ER. These include serious respiratory depression, some severe asthma situations, hypersensitivity to oxymorphone, moderate or severe hepatic impairment, and known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction.

Patients should give their healthcare professional a full list of all their medications, supplements and medical conditions before they start an opioid treatment.

Opana ER 30mg and Availability Now

Opana ER is no longer marketed in the United States. Endo voluntarily withdrew Opana ER from the market in 2017, and the FDA later withdrew approval of the company’s application, according to FDA records. However, historical FDA records show 30 mg as one of the approved strengths of Opana ER.

Hence, websites that offer branded Opana ER 30mg as an ordinary currently marketed product should be handled with caution. Fake or illegally marketed opioid products can pose serious risks of overdose and poisoning.

FAQs

What is Opana ER 30mg?

Opana ER 30mg was a historic extended-release oxymorphone hydrochloride tablet for severe and persistent pain requiring around-the-clock opioid treatment. The product is no longer sold in the US by the brand.

Is Opana ER 30mg a Narcotic?

Yes. Opana ER is an opioid analgesic that contains oxymorphone. It was a Schedule II controlled substance in U.S. labelling.

Is Opana ER used for pain?

None. The label for Opana ER was clear in stating that it was not indicated for breakthrough pain.

Can I crush or chew Opana ER tablets?

None. In the past, patients were instructed to swallow extended-release tablets whole, because altering the tablets could cause a rapid release of the medication and a potentially fatal overdose.

Is Opana ER 30mg available in the original brand now?

The brand name Opana ER is no longer available in the United States. Its withdrawal and the resulting regulatory actions by the FDA are on record.

Conclusion:

Opana ER 30mg is an older extended-release oxymorphone product with serious opioid risks. It is intended for continuous use to control severe pain, but can cause respiratory depression, overdose, misuse, addiction and physical dependence. Thus, opioid therapy should always be provided with qualified medical supervision and with an individualised risk-benefit analysis.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not replace a doctor or chemist. Do not start, stop, change, or substitute an opioid medication without professional medical advice.