Hydromorphone Rectal Suppository (HYDROMORPHONE 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.

Continue to lie down on your left side for a few minutes after inserting the medicine into the rectum.

Try not to have a bowel movement for at least 1 hour after using this medicine.

Keep this medicine in the refrigerator.

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.

Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.

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.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this 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.

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.

Use medicine with caution if you have breathing problems. Get help right away for slow or shallow breathing.

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

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.

• decreased appetite
• constipation
• dizziness or drowsiness
• dry mouth
• lightheadedness
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach upset or abdominal pain

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

• severe or persistent abdominal pain
• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• breathing interruption during sleep
• shallow, irregular breathing
• changes in memory, mood, or thinking
• confusion
• fainting
• hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
• fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
• seizures
• unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
• difficulty or discomfort urinating
• weight loss

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.