Morphine

Renal Impairment Morphine pharmacokinetics are altered in patients with renal failure. Start these patients with a lower than usual dosage of morphine sulfate extended-release tablets and titrate slowly while regularly evaluating for signs of respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension [see Clinical Pharmacology] .

Hepatic Impairment Morphine pharmacokinetics have been reported to be significantly altered in patients with cirrhosis. Start these patients with a lower than usual dosage of morphine sulfate extended-release tablets and titrate slowly while regularly evaluating for signs of respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension [see Clinical Pharmacology].

Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets should be prescribed by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of extended-release/long-acting opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets 100 mg and 200 mg tablets, a single dose greater than 60 mg, or a total daily dose greater than 120 mg, are only for use in patients in whom tolerance to an opioid of comparable potency has been established.

Patients considered opioid-tolerant are those taking, for one week or longer, at least 60 mg morphine per day, 25 mcg transdermal fentanyl per hour, 30 mg oral oxycodone per day, 8 mg oral hydromorphone daily, 25 mg oral oxymorphone per day, 60 mg oral hydrocodone per day, or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see Warnings and Precautions].

Because the risk of overdose increases as opioid doses increase, reserve titration to higher doses of morphine sulfate extended-release tablets for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s underlying cause and severity of pain, prior analgesic treatment and response, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Warnings and Precautions].

Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with morphine sulfate extended-release tablets. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when making dose adjustments [see Warnings and Precautions]. Morphine sulfate extended-release tablets are administered orally once every 8 or 12 hours.

Instruct patients to swallow morphine sulfate extended-release tablets whole. Crushing, chewing, or dissolving morphine sulfate extended-release tablets will result in uncontrolled delivery of morphine and can lead to overdose or death [see Warnings and Precautions].