Kadian

Kadian Ingredients: Morphine ER
Representative Names: Avinza, Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph SR

What are Kadian sustained-release tablets or capsules ?

Kadian relieves moderate to severe pain. Kadian may also be used to treat pain associated with cancer, heart attacks, sickle cell disease and other medical conditions. This type of Kadian is for people who need pain medicine for more than a few days. These capsules and tablets are especially designed to release Kadian over a period of time. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Federal law prohibits the transfer of Kadian to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Generic Kadian sustained release tablets are available and capsules are not available.

What should my health care professional know before I take Kadian ?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•If you frequently have alcohol-containing drinks
•abnormal bladder function, difficulty urinating
•constipation
•diarrhea
•head injury
•heart disease
•intestinal disease
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•lung disease or breathing difficulties (asthma, COPD)
•seizures
•an unusual or allergic reaction to Kadian, oxycodone, codeine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I take Kadian ?

Take Kadian sustained-release tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take Kadian sustained-release products on an "as needed" basis; Kadian sustained-release products should be taken on a regular basis only for the condition for which it was prescribed. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not break, crush, or chew Kadian sustained-release tablets; this will cause the release of a large amount of Kadian to be absorbed into your body at once, which can be dangerous causing an overdose and serious adverse reactions. If Kadian upsets your stomach, you can take it with food or milk.

If you are taking the Kadian sustained-release capsules and have problems swallowing them, you may open them and sprinkle the contents on some applesauce. Make sure to eat the whole portion. Do not divide up into other doses or save portions. Eat it right away. Do not chew, crush or dissolve the pellets inside the capsule.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Do not share this medicine with anyone.

What if I miss a Kadian dose ?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Kadian ?

•carbamazepine
•gabapentin
•medicines for high blood pressure
•metformin
•phenytoin
•phenobarbital
•primidone
•rifampin
Because Kadian can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of Kadian. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are:
•alcohol-containing medicines
•barbiturates such as phenobarbital
•certain antidepressants or tranquilizers
•muscle relaxants
•certain antihistamines used in cold medicines
Ask your prescriber or health care professional about other medicines that may increase the effect of Kadian.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking Kadian ?

Some side effects can be eased if you lie down after taking your medicine.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
•breathing difficulties, wheezing
•cold, clammy skin
•seizures
•slow or fast heartbeat
•severe rash
•unusual weakness
More common:
•confusion
•lightheadedness or fainting spells
•nervousness or restlessness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•itching
•blurred vision
•clumsiness, unsteadiness
•constipation
•decrease or difficulty passing urine
•dizziness, drowsiness
•dry mouth
•flushing
•headache
•nausea/vomiting
•pinpoint pupils
•sweating

What should I watch for while taking Kadian ?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or different type of pain.

Use exactly as directed by your prescriber or health care professional. If you are taking Kadian on a regular basis, do not suddenly stop taking it. Your body becomes used to the Kadian and when you suddenly stop taking it, you may develop a severe reaction. This does NOT mean you are "addicted" to Kadian. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine such as Kadian to control your pain.

You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking Kadian or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how Kadian affects you. Stand or sit up slowly, this reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. These effects may be worse if you are an older patient. The drowsiness should decrease after taking Kadian for a couple of days. If you have not slept because of your pain, you may sleep more the first few days your pain is controlled to catch-up on missed sleep.

Be careful taking other medicines which may also make you tired. This effect may be worse when taking these medicines with Kadian. Alcohol can increase possible drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and affect your breathing. Avoid alcohol while taking Kadian.

Kadian will cause constipation. Make sure to take a laxative and/or a stool softener while taking Kadian. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2—3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days or more call your prescriber or health care professional. They may recommend using an enema or suppository to help you move your bowels.

Your mouth may get dry. Drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard candy may help to relieve dry mouth symptoms. Have regular dental checks.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking Kadian.

Rarely, Kadian may cause you to have hallucinations (to see things that are not really there) or cause your legs or arms to "jerk" or have spasms. If you experience these effects, call your prescriber or health care professional.

Where can I keep Kadian ?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Do not share or give this medicine to anyone else. Avoid accidental swallowing of Kadian by someone (especially children) other than the person for whom it was prescribed as this may result in severe effects and possibly death.

Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F) Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.