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from eMedTV.comWhen and How to Take This Medication
Some general considerations to keep in mind during treatment with oxymorphone ER include the following:- The medication comes as an extended-release tablet. It is taken by mouth twice a day (every 12 hours), every day. It is not meant to be taken "as needed" (at unscheduled times and only when needed for pain).
- This medication absolutely must be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after eating. Taking it with food leads to significantly high levels of the drug in the bloodstream, potentially leading to an overdose.
- You must not consume alcohol or take any medications that contain alcohol, such as certain cough medications, while taking oxymorphone ER. Alcohol can lead to extremely high levels of the drug in the bloodstream, potentially leading to an overdose.
- Never crush, chew, or dissolve the tablets, as this would release a dangerous amount of oxymorphone. Never take a tablet that appears to be damaged in any way.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Do not increase your dose without your healthcare provider's approval. Do not suddenly stop taking oxymorphone ER, especially if you have taken it regularly for more than a few days (see Opana ER Withdrawal).
Dosing Information for Oxymorphone ER
The dose of oxymorphone ER your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:- How you respond to oxymorphone ER
- The type and dose of other painkillers you have taken
- The type and severity of your pain
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
(Click Oxymorphone ER Dosage for more information.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD