Belladonna Alkaloids/Opium Rectal Suppository (OPIUM/BELLADONNA SUPPOSITORY - RECTAL)

Instructions

This medicine is for use in the rectum. DO NOT take this medicine by mouth.

Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to show you how to use this medicine correctly.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. However, do not get up right away to wash your hands if you are supposed to lie down for a period of time to give the medicine time to work.

Lie on your left side, with your right knee bent toward your chest. Or, you may kneel on both knees, with your arms folded on the floor with your head resting on your arms.

Unwrap the suppository and moisten it with a few drops of cool water. Insert the pointed end into the anus, and push it all the way in with your finger.

If your dose is one-half (1/2) suppository, carefully cut it lengthwise using a clean, sharp knife.

To relieve dry mouth, chew gum, suck on hard candy/ice chips, drink extra water, or use a saliva substitute.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

To reduce constipation, eat high fiber foods, drink plenty of water and exercise.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not store the medicine in the refrigerator or freezer.

Do not take the medicine more than four times during 24 hours.

Cautions

This medicine has an opioid. Opioids help many people but may cause addiction, especially if used for a long time. The addiction risk is higher if you have a substance use disorder (overuse of or addiction to drugs or alcohol). Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should have naloxone on hand to treat opioid overdose. Teach your family or household members about the signs of an opioid overdose and how to treat it.

If you stop this medicine suddenly after using it for a long time, you may have withdrawal. Your doctor may slowly lower your dose before stopping it. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms, such as unusual sweating, watering eyes, runny nose, chills, diarrhea, yawning, muscle aches, restlessness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, or thoughts of suicide.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Avoid becoming overheated during exercise or other activities. Try to stay cool in hot weather.

Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• constipation
• dizziness or drowsiness
• sensitivity to light
• nausea and vomiting
• sweating

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• shallow, irregular breathing
• changes in memory, mood, or thinking
• confusion
• eye pain or redness
• fainting
• hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
• fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
• seizures
• stomach pain
• unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
• difficulty or discomfort urinating
• blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.