Morphine Sulfate: Safe Use and Precautions

Morphine Sulfate: Safe Use and Precautions

Morphine Sulfate is a powerful medicine used to relieve pain. However, it can be habit-forming if used for a long time. Here is everything you need to know to use it safely and avoid problems.

What is Morphine Sulfate?

Morphine Sulfate is a type of medicine called an opioid. It is used to relieve severe pain. But, if not used correctly, it can be very dangerous.

Using Morphine Sulfate Safely

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
Always take morphine exactly as your doctor tells you. Do not take more than your doctor says. Do not take it more often or in a different way. This is important to avoid addiction and other health issues.

Talk to Your Doctor

Before you start taking morphine, have a conversation with your doctor about your pain treatment goals. Also, discuss how long you will need to take the medicine and other ways to manage your pain.

Tell Your Doctor About Your History
It’s important to let your doctor know if you or anyone in your family has ever had issues with alcohol, street drugs, prescription medications, or mental illness. This is because having these conditions might increase your risk of overusing morphine.

Breathing Problems

Monitor Your Breathing
Morphine Sulfate can cause serious breathing problems, especially during the first few days of treatment or when your dose is increased. Your doctor will keep a close eye on you during this time.

Risk Factors
Tell your doctor if you have ever had breathing problems or conditions like asthma, COPD, or lung disease. If you are older, weak, or not eating well because of a disease, your risk of breathing problems is higher. If you notice slowed breathing, long pauses between breaths, or shortness of breath, call your doctor or get emergency help right away.

Other Medications

Be Careful with Other Drugs
Some medicines can increase the risk of serious side effects when taken with morphine. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including those for mental illness, nausea, muscle relaxants, sedatives, sleeping pills, or tranquilizers. Your doctor might need to adjust your doses and monitor you carefully.

Avoid Alcohol and Street Drugs

Serious Risks with Alcohol
Drinking alcohol or taking medications that contain alcohol while you are using morphine increases the risk of serious breathing problems and other life-threatening side effects. This is especially true for Avinza brand long-acting capsules. Alcohol can make the morphine in these capsules release too quickly, which can be very dangerous.

Keep Morphine Safe
Make sure no one else takes your medication, especially children. Keep it in a safe place where others cannot get to it. Dispose of any unused morphine properly.

Taking Morphine Correctly

Extended-Release Tablets and Capsules
Swallow extended-release tablets or capsules whole. Do not split, chew, dissolve, or crush them. Doing so can release too much morphine at once, which can cause serious breathing problems or death. If you cannot swallow the capsules whole, you can mix the contents with applesauce as instructed.

Oral Solution
Morphine Sulfate oral solution comes in three different strengths. The strongest one (100 mg/5 mL) is only for people who are used to opioids. Always check to make sure you have the right strength and know how much to take.

Pregnant Women

Risk to Babies
If you take morphine regularly during pregnancy, your baby might have withdrawal symptoms after birth. These can include irritability, hyperactivity, abnormal sleep, high-pitched crying, shaking, vomiting, diarrhea, or not gaining weight. Tell your baby’s doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms.

By understanding and following these guidelines, you can use Morphine Sulfate safely to manage your pain while minimizing the risks. Always communicate with your doctor and be vigilant about how you take your medication.