Prescriptions for Pain List

Long-acting narcotic prescriptions are an important weapon in our war against against pain. Theyallow for once or twice daily dosing, as opposed to taking tablets every 3-4 hours. Theseprescriptions for pain are generally used to treat chronic conditions like cancer or injuries that willrequire an extended recovery time. As a general rule, long-acting products should never be crushed,broken or chewed. They must be swallowed whole.

I will group these by their active ingredient of: (1) Oxycodone, (2) Morphine, (3) Fentanyl, or (4)Methadone.

(1) OXYCODONE containing products:

Oxycontin (currently not available as a generic, Schedule 2 controlled substance). Oxycontin tabletscome in a variety of strengths and are taken every 12 hours.

(2) MORPHINE (or morphine-like) containing products:

Avinza (Schedule 2 controlled substance). Avinza is an extended release form of morphine in capsuleform available in a variety of strengths. They may be swallowed whole, or opened an sprinkled onapplesauce. They must not be crushed, chewed or dissolved. Full prescribing information is availableby clicking HERE.

MS Contin (Schedule http://www.schmidtlaw.com/zofran-lawsuits/ 2 controlled substance). MSContin is a 12-hour release (taken twice daily) form of morphine and comes in a variety of strengthsand is available generically. Prescribing information is available by clicking HERE.

Opana ER (oxymorphone, Schedule 2 controlled substance). Opana ER is available as a tablet, andcomes in a variety of strengths. Oxymorphone is a more potent form of morphine. Patients onmorphine will likely require much smaller dosages of oxymorphone for comparable effects. Opanalasts 12 hours and is therefore dosed twice daily. For more information on Opana ER click HERE.

Oramorph SR (Schedule 2 controlled substance). Oramorph SR uses a unique mechanism to slowlyrelease morphine into the body over 12 hours. Oramorph SR comes in several strengths and ismanufactured by Xanodyne pharmaceuticals in Cincinnati.

Kadian (Schedule 2 controlled substance). Kadian is a slowly released morphine capsule designed tobe taken once or twice daily. The capsules can be opened, and the contents sprinkled on applesauce,but the pellets must not be chewed or dissolved. For information on financial assistance for Kadianclick here.

Embeda (Schedule 2 controlled substance). Embeda is a unique product containing morphine in anextended release tablet. Embeda ALSO contains a substance known as "naltrexone." The purpose ofthe naltrexone is to prevent Embeda from being abused by those who may be tempted to crush it,chew zofran pump birth defects it, dissolve it...in order to get a "high" from the morphine content. Ifaltered, the naltrexone is released and will produce very uncomfortable withdrawl symptoms. Formore information on "naltrexone" read THIS ARTICLE.

(3) FENTANYL containing products:

Duragesic (Schedule 2 controlled substance). Duragesic is a patch containing fentanyl and is appliedtopically to the skin. The patch is designed to release the medication steadily over 3 days (72 hours).After 3 days the patch is to be removed, properly disposed of, and a new patch is applied (alteringlocations to avoid the developement of skin irritation or a rash). Duragesic is available in a genericformulation. For information on Duragesic click HERE.

(4) METHADONE containing products:

Methadone: (Schedule 2 controlled substance). Methadone tablets come generically and in a varietyof brand name forms such as Methadose and Dolophine. Methadone is generally dosed every 6 to 8hours. Methadone is an effective pain reliever, but carries significant risks related to toxicity. Forexample, the following warning is attached to the prescription drug Dolohone: "Deaths, cardiac andrespiratory, have been reported during initiation and conversion of pain patients to methadonetreatment from treatment with other opioid agonists." This is serious medication! It must be usedvery carefully. For some statistics on the rising use of Methadone across the country, click HERE.

For an academic article, written by medical professionals, reviewing the uses of MethadoneTreatment for pain CLICK HERE.