In Australia, Opana is a brand name for the medication oxymorphone, which is classified as an opioid analgesic. It is commonly prescribed to manage severe pain that requires round-the-clock treatment and for which other pain management options have proven ineffective. Opana works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, effectively blocking pain signals and providing relief to the patient.

Patients are typically advised to take this medication orally, with a full glass of water, exactly as directed by their healthcare provider. It is generally recommended to take Opana in Australia  on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. This medication should not be crushed, chewed, or dissolved, as doing so can lead to a rapid release of the drug, potentially resulting in an overdose.

It’s important for patients to be aware that Opana is a potent opioid medication and should be used with caution in Australia. It belongs to a class of drugs known as opioids, which have the potential for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Therefore, it should only be used under the close supervision of a healthcare professional and in the exact manner prescribed.

Patients should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist for any further questions or concerns regarding the usage of Opana. It’s essential to follow the prescribed dosage and usage instructions and to be aware of potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

What should I watch for while using Opana in Australia?

Inform your healthcare team if your pain persists, worsens, or if you experience new or different types of pain. Over time, you may develop tolerance to Opana in Australia, meaning you might require a higher dose for pain relief. It’s normal to develop tolerance when using this medication for an extended period.

There are various types of narcotic medications (opioids) for pain relief. Using multiple types simultaneously may lead to increased side effects. Provide your healthcare team with a list of all medications you are taking, and follow their dosage instructions carefully. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage. Seek immediate medical assistance if you encounter breathing difficulties.

Avoid suddenly discontinuing the medication, as this may lead to severe reactions. Your body becomes accustomed to Opana in Australia, but this does not imply addiction. Addiction is associated with using medication for nonmedical reasons. If you are taking pain medication for a legitimate medical purpose, it is not considered addiction. Your healthcare team will guide you on the appropriate dosage. If they decide to taper off the medication, it will be done gradually to minimize potential side effects.

Discuss naloxone with your healthcare team and learn how to obtain it. Naloxone is an emergency medication used for opioid overdose. An overdose can occur from taking an excessive amount of opioids or from combining opioids with other substances such as alcohol. Be aware of overdose symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, extreme drowsiness, or difficulty waking up. Inform your caregivers and close contacts about the location of naloxone and how to administer it. After administering naloxone, seek immediate medical help as it is a temporary treatment and may require repeat doses.

Be cautious as Opana in Australia may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring mental alertness until you understand how the medication affects you. Additionally, avoid sudden movements, especially if you are an older patient, to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of Opana, so it’s best to avoid alcoholic beverages.

This medication is likely to cause constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for three days, contact your healthcare team.

Dry mouth may occur while taking Opana. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking on hard candy, and staying well-hydrated may help alleviate this issue. If the problem persists or becomes severe, reach out to your healthcare team for guidance

It is important to keep Opana, or any medication, out of the reach of children and pets in Australia. This medication should be stored in a secure place to prevent unauthorized use. It is crucial to never share this medication with anyone, as doing so can be dangerous and illegal.

Specifically, Opana should be stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). It is essential to prevent the medication from being accessed by other adults, children, or pets, as it can cause harm and even death if taken improperly. Any unused medication should be returned to an official disposal site. If you are unable to return the medication, it should be disposed of by flushing it down the toilet. Additionally, it is important not to use the medication after its expiration date.

Please note that this information is a summary and may not cover all possible details. If you have any questions about this medicine, it is important to consult with your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider for further guidance.