What Is Morphine Sulfate ER Used For?

Morphine sulfate ER is specifically designed to be used consistently at scheduled times to treat chronic pain. This prescription medication is a strong narcotic painkiller used when potent opioid medication is needed for a long period of time. Other than pain relief, morphine sulfate ER causes several different effects in the body, such as cough suppression, decreased breathing, and drowsiness. There are no off-label morphine sulfate ER uses at this time.

 

Morphine Sulfate ER Uses

Morphine sulfate ER ("extended release") is the generic name for several long-acting prescription pain medications. Brand names include Avinza®, Kadian®, MS Contin®, and Oramorph® SR. These are rather strong narcotic painkillers approved only for use when continuous, around-the-clock use of potent opioid medication is necessary for an extended period of time (for more than a few days).
 
Morphine sulfate ER is meant to be used consistently at scheduled times, every 8, 12, or 24 hours (depending on the particular product and your particular needs). It is not approved for unscheduled "as needed" use. Morphine sulfate ER is often used to treat cancer pain or other types of chronic pain.
 
Long-acting morphine products, including morphine sulfate ER, are typically used to replace short-acting morphine or other short-acting painkillers. Often, people are started on regular, short-acting morphine at first. Once it becomes clear that long-term pain control will be necessary, long-acting products are usually preferred.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;