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Patient Education
Avinza®
What is
Avinza®?
Avinza® is a timed-release pain medication (morphine) that is taken once
a day to relieve moderate to severe pain requiring continuous relief.
How is it
Administered?
Avinza® is taken by mouth, with or without food. Swallow the capsules
whole. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the capsules. Doing so can cause
rapid release of a potentially fatal dose of morphine. If you have trouble
swallowing the capsule, open it and sprinkle it on a spoonful of
applesauce. Swallow all of the applesauce immediately; Do not chew it
and don’t let the medicine dissolve in the applesauce. Rinse your mouth
with a sip of water afterwards.
What Should I
Do If I Miss A
Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time
of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal
schedule.
What Are Some
Possible Side
Effects I May
Experience?
Rash, nausea/vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness,
drowsiness, dry mouth, increased sweating. If any of these effects persist
or worsen, notify your doctor.
When Should I
Call the Doctor?
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur:
Shallow breathing; difficulty urinating; shaking; seizures; severe
constipation or vomiting; mental/mood changes -agitation, depression,
unusual elevated mood, confusion, or memory loss; swelling of the feet
or ankles, or seizures.
What Else
Should I Know
About Avinza®?
Avoid any alcohol products. Ingesting alcohol while taking Avinza®
may result in a potentially fatal dose of morphine.
To prevent constipation, follow the bowel regimen provided by your
doctor, drink plenty of water, and stay as active as possible.
This drug may make you dizzy, drowsy or cause blurred vision..
Do not stop this drug suddenly without consulting the doctor.
Store Avinza® in a safe place and monitor how many tablets you have
left. When no longer needed, the FDA recommends flushing any leftover
pills down the toilet. If you have a septic tank or any concerns about drug
disposal, please contact your pharmacist for more information.
Disclaimer: This information has been created by medical professionals
but is not intended to substitute for advice from your personal physician.
© 2008 Roswell Park Cancer Institute Buffalo, NY 14263 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724)
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Avinza
Roswell Park Cancer Institute Patient Education