HYDROMORPHONETRANSCRIPT (page 1 of 3)If you have moderate to severe pain, you may be prescribed Hydromorphone.Hydromorphone is a high alert medication, which means if you do not take it exactlyas prescribed it may cause illness or injury.To understand how Hydromorphone works, let’s look at how pain affects your body.Thousands of tiny nerve cells in your body sense many feelings, like cold, heat,pressure, and pain. When your body is injured, the tiny nerve cells send a message toyour brain that says: ‘I’m in pain here!’Hydromorphone works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds topain.Hydromorphone comes in either a tablet or liquid and is available in different typesof doses. You may be prescribed a short-acting dose for pain that comes and goes.Or you may be prescribed an extended release dose for pain that is there all the time.Make sure you understand exactly what you are taking and how you are supposed totake it to avoid injury.Hydromorphone is a powerful medication. Some people should not take it. Do nottake Hydromorphone if you are allergic to the ingredients in it.Do not take Hyrdomorphone if you have asthma or other breathing problems.If you are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, talk to your healthcare providerbefore taking Hydromorphone. It may harm your baby. Do not breastfeed while takingHydromorphone.Before taking Hydromorphone, tell your healthcare provider if you have a historyof: head injury and stroke; liver, kidney or thyroid problems; stomach problems; andpancreas or gallbladder problems.20% gradient meshHydromorphone can be highly addictive. If you have a history of abuse of street drugs,prescription medications or alcohol, tell your healthcare provider. There may healthclipsbe adifferent medication available for you.healthclipsSome side effects of Hydromorphone include: constipation, nausea, stomach pain,headache, sleepiness, dry mouth, sweating, and itching.healthclips(Continued on next page)healthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10035_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshHYDROMORPHONETRANSCRIPT (page 2 of 3)If you do notice any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider about howto manage them.Be aware that you are at an increased risk of falling while taking Hydromorphone. Getup from a sitting or lying position slowly.Do not drive or operate heavy machinery, including your car, until you know howHydromorphone affects you.Do not drink alcohol while taking Hyrdomorphone. Drinking alcohol while taking thismedication can cause serious side effects leading to death.If you have an allergic reaction like: trouble breathing, hives, or swelling of your faceor throat; call 911.If you have: a slow heart rate, weak or shallow breathing, chest pain, confusion,muscle weakness, extreme tiredness, or feel like you may pass out; call yourhealthcare provider right away.This is not the complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible sideeffects with your healthcare provider.Take Hydromorphone exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or take it forlonger than prescribed.If you have been prescribed Hydromorphone extended release, always swallowthe pill whole with plenty of water. Do not cut, break, chew, crush or dissolve thismedication.Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to help avoid constipation.20% gradient meshIf you have been prescribed liquid Hydromorphone, use a measuring spoon ormedicine cup to make sure you get the correct amount. Do not use a regular kitchenspoon.healthclipshealthclipsExtended Release Hydromorphone should be taken at the same time every day. If youmiss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double dose to make up for amissed dose. Return to your normal medication schedule as soon as possible.healthclipshealthclips(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10035_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshHYDROMORPHONETRANSCRIPT (page 3 of 3)Short-acting Hyrdromorphone is taken as needed. If you think you have taken toomuch Hydromorphone, call 911. An overdose of Hydromorphone can cause seriousbreathing problems that can lead to death.Store Hydromorphone away from moisture and direct sunlight. Your bathroommedicine cabinet is not the best place because of moisture. Do not leave yourmedication where it can get too hot or too cold.Always store your medication out of sight and out of reach of children to preventaccidents.Because Hydromorphone is a narcotic that can cause dependency, it can be a verydesirable drug to addicts. Lock this medication up to prevent stealing and abuse.When you are done taking Hydromorphone, crush all of your remaining tablets andmix them with undesirable trash like kitty litter or coffee grounds.Dispose of liquid Hydromorphone by flushing it down a drain or toilet.Do not sell or give your Hydromorphone to anyone else. It is against the law andcan seriously harm anyone else taking it. Contact your local police station for moreinformation on proper disposal directions.Hydromorphone can help relieve your pain. But it is a powerful medication that shouldonly be taken exactly as prescribed. If you have any questions about Hydromorphone,ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist for more information.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10035_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
