DepoDur

DepoDur injection is a narcotic analgesic used for the relief of pain following a major surgery.

This drug is injected right before a surgery or during a cesarean section delivery right after the baby's umbilical cord is clamped.

This drug acts on the central nervous system to relieve pain. This drug requires a prescription.

If you are about to start DepoDur, speak with your doctor about what you need to know. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. 

Studies in children regarding the relationship of age to the effects of morphine epidural injection have not been performed. This drug is not recommended for use in children. Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of morphine epidural injection. 

Adjustments in the dose of elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related heart, stomach, or lung problems. Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. 

Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects. 

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription and nonprescription drugs. Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. 

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as Asthma, Head injury, the Increased pressure in the head, Paralytic ileus, Respiratory depression, Shock, Breathing problems, Enlarged prostate, Heart disease, Problems with passing urine, Gallbladder disease, Hypotension, Sleep apnea syndrome, Pancreatitis, or Seizures.

Proper usage of DepoDur requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. A trained healthcare professional will be the one to give you this drug in a hospital. This drug is administered through a needle or catheter in your back.

Before using DepoDur, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.

This drug will potentiate the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants such as antihistamines or drug for allergies or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping drug, other prescription pain drug or narcotics, a drug for seizures or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. 

Check with your healthcare professional before taking any of the drugs listed above after you receive this drug. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem. Also, lying down for a while may relieve the dizziness or lightheadedness.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using DepoDur to avoid unwanted potential side effects. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as: 

• blurred vision
• confusion
• the decrease in the frequency of urination
• the decrease in urine volume
• difficulty in passing urine, dizziness
• faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• drowsiness
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• painful urination
• pale skin
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• abdominal or stomach cramps or pain
• bloating
• constipation
• convulsions
• diarrhea
• difficult or labored breathing
• dry mouth
• increased thirst
• irregular, fast, slow, or shallow breathing
• loss of appetite
• mood changes
• muscle pain or cramps
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• restlessness
• shakiness
• sleepiness
• slow to respond
• slurred speech,
• tightness in the chest
• unconsciousness
• vomiting
• wheezing
• bluishness of lips or skin
• disorientation
• hallucinations
• lethargy
• low blood pressure or pulse
• severe drowsiness
• slowing of the heartbeat
• unresponsiveness
• very slow breathing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.