Drug
Hydromorphone (PF)
Pronounced
"hye-droe-MOR-fone"
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, flushing, dry mouth, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or sweating may occur. Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise. Consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (such as a stimulant type with stool softener).
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: interrupted breathing during sleep (sleep apnea), severe stomach/abdominal pain, fainting, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion), seizures, difficulty urinating, signs of your adrenal glands not working well (such as loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, weight loss).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: severe drowsiness/difficulty waking up, slow/shallow/irregular breathing, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using hydromorphone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other opioid pain medications (such as hydrocodone, morphine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sulfites, latex), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, constipation, diarrhea due to infection, paralytic ileus), brain disorders (such as brain injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure, seizures), breathing problems (such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, sleep apnea), heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure, low blood pressure), disease of the pancreas (such as pancreatitis), mental/mood disorders (such as depression, psychosis), a certain spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis), gallbladder disease, personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol), kidney disease, liver disease, adrenal gland problem (such as Addison's disease), difficulty urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate or urethral stricture), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, and slow/shallow breathing.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. (See also Warning section.)
This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Tell the doctor right away if your baby develops unusual sleepiness, difficulty feeding, or trouble breathing. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.