Opana and Opana ER

Drug - Opana and Opana ER (oxymorphone) tablets

March 2008

Description

Oxymorphone is a potent semi-synthetic narcotic analgesic that is a narcotic substitute for morphine. Oral oxymorphone is more potent than oral morphine (3x), hydrocodone (2x), and oxycodone (2x). Elderly patients and renally impaired patients may have a 40-65% increase in bioavailability.

Strengths available

Opana

• 5 mg
• 10 mg

Opana ER

• 5 mg
• 7.5 mg
• 10 mg
• 10 mg
• 15 mg
• 20 mg
• 30 mg
• 40 mg

Criteria

• Opana is being used for the relief of moderate to severe pain where the use of an opioid is appropriate AND
• Patient is under the care of a pain management specialist AND
• Patient has intolerable side effects to ALL of the opioids listed below, and the adverse effects prevented upward titration of dosage to achieve a satisfactory level of analgesia AND
• Patient has been warned that:
  • Co-administration with alcohol may increase oxymorphone plasma levels and the risk of potentially fatal toxicity
  • Opana should be taken on an empty stomach since food can increase the rate of absorption by 50% AND
• Patient does not have moderate and severe hepatic impairment (contraindicated) or a paralytic ileus

Oxymorphone formulation and prior opioid trials required

Immediate-release	Hydrocodone with or without acetaminophen (Lorcet, Lortab, Vicoden) Morphine Oxycodone (Percocet, Percodan) Hydrodmorphone (Dilaudid)
Extended-release	Morphine Oxycodone Fentanyl transdermal

Questions?

MHCP Provider Call Center 651-431-2700 or 800-366-5411