Generic name: oxymorphone [ OX-ee-MOR-fone ]
Brand names: Numorphan HCl, Opana, Opana ER
Dosage forms: oral tablet (10 mg; 5 mg), oral tablet, extended release (10 mg; 15 mg; 20 mg; 30 mg; 40 mg; 5 mg; 7.5 mg)
Drug class: Opioids (narcotic analgesics)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 14, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is oxymorphone?

Oxymorphone is an opioid medicine that is used to treat moderate to severe pain.

The extended-release form of oxymorphone is for around-the-clock treatment of pain and should not be used on an as-needed basis for pain.

Oxymorphone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Oxymorphone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Opioid medicine can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur. A person caring for you should give naloxone and/or seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Oxymorphone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• weak or shallow breathing, breathing that stops;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• seizure (convulsions);

• chest pain, wheezing, cough with yellow or green mucus;

• severe vomiting;

• high levels of serotonin in the body--agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or

• low cortisol levels--nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, worsening tiredness or weakness.

Serious breathing problems may be more likely in older adults and people who are debilitated or have wasting syndrome or chronic breathing disorders.

Common side effects of oxymorphone may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;

• headache, tiredness; or

• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

MISUSE OF OPIOID MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Taking opioid medicine during pregnancy may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

Fatal side effects can occur if you use opioid medicine with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take oxymorphone if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe asthma or breathing problems;

• severe liver disease; or

• a stomach or bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• breathing problems, sleep apnea (breathing that stops during sleep);

• a head injury or seizures;

• drug or alcohol addiction, or mental illness;

• urination problems;

• liver or kidney problems; or

• problems with your gallbladder, pancreas, or thyroid.

If you use opioid medicine during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.

Ask a doctor before using opioid medicine if you are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you notice severe drowsiness or slow breathing in the nursing baby.

How should I use oxymorphone?

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use oxymorphone in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to take more of oxymorphone.

Never share opioid medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Stop using all other around-the-clock opioid pain medications when you start taking oxymorphone.

Take oxymorphone on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Take the medicine at the same times each day.

Swallow the tablet whole to avoid exposure to a potentially fatal overdose. Do not crush, chew, break, or dissolve.

Take only one extended-release tablet at a time. To avoid choking, do not lick or wet the tablet before placing it in your mouth.

Never crush a pill to inhale the powder or inject it into your vein. This could result in death.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop using oxymorphone suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.

Do not keep leftover opioid medication. Just one dose can cause death in someone using this medicine accidentally or improperly. Ask your pharmacist where to locate a drug take-back disposal program. If there is no take-back program, flush the unused medicine down the toilet.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since oxymorphone is used for pain, you are not likely to miss a dose. Skip any missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal, especially in a child or person using opioid medicine without a prescription. Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, slow breathing, or no breathing.

Your doctor may recommend you get naloxone (a medicine to reverse an opioid overdose) and keep it with you at all times. A person caring for you can give the naloxone if you stop breathing or don't wake up. Your caregiver must still get emergency medical help and may need to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on you while waiting for help to arrive.

Anyone can buy naloxone from a pharmacy or local health department. Make sure any person caring for you knows where you keep naloxone and how to use it.

What should I avoid while using oxymorphone?

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how oxymorphone will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

What other drugs will affect oxymorphone?

Many other drugs can be dangerous when used with opioid medicine. Tell your doctor if you also use:

• medicine for allergies, asthma, blood pressure, motion sickness, irritable bowel, or overactive bladder;

• other opioid medicines;

• a benzodiazepine sedative like Valium, Klonopin, or Xanax;

• sleep medicine, muscle relaxers, or other drugs that make you drowsy; or

• drugs that affect serotonin, such as antidepressants, stimulants, or medicine for migraines or Parkinson's disease.

This list is not complete. Many drugs may affect oxymorphone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Frequently asked questions

• Oxymorphone vs Hydromorphone - How do they compare?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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