Morphin Retard

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Morphin Retard uses

• Warning: addiction, abuse, and misuse; life-threatening respiratory depression; accidental ingestion; neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome; interaction with alcohol; and risks from concomitant use with benzodiazepines or other cns depressants
• Indications and usage
• Dosage and administration
• Dosage forms and strengths
• Contraindications
• Warnings and precautions
• Adverse reactions
• Drug interactions
• Use in specific populations
• Drug abuse and dependence
• Overdosage
• Description
• Clinical pharmacology
• Nonclinical toxicology
• Clinical studies
• How supplied/storage and handling
• Patient counseling information
• Instructions for use
• Morphin Retard reviews

WARNING: ADDICTION, ABUSE, AND MISUSE; LIFE-THREATENING RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION; ACCIDENTAL INGESTION; NEONATAL OPIOID WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME; INTERACTION WITH ALCOHOL; and RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH BENZODIAZEPINES OR OTHER CNS DEPRESSANTS

Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

Morphin Retard^® exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing Morphin Retard, and monitor all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions .

Life-threatening Respiratory Depression

Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of Morphin Retard. Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of Morphin Retard or following a dose increase. Instruct patients to swallow Morphin Retard capsules whole, or to sprinkle the contents of the capsule on applesauce and swallow immediately without chewing. Crushing, chewing, or dissolving the pellets in Morphin Retard can cause rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of Morphin Retard .

Accidental Ingestion

Accidental ingestion of even one dose of Morphin Retard, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of Morphin Retard .

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Prolonged use of Morphin Retard during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available .

Interaction with Alcohol

Instruct patients not to consume alcoholic beverages or use prescription or non-prescription products that contain alcohol while taking Morphin Retard. The co-ingestion of alcohol with Morphin Retard may result in increased plasma level and a potentially fatal overdose of Morphin Retard .

Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants

Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death .

• Reserve concomitant prescribing of Morphin Retard and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.
• Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required.
• Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.

WARNING: ADDICTION, ABUSE, AND MISUSE; LIFE-THREATENING RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION; ACCIDENTAL INGESTION; NEONATAL OPIOID WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME; INTERACTION WITH ALCOHOL; and RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH BENZODIAZEPINES OR OTHER CNS DEPRESSANTS

See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.

• Morphin Retard exposes users to risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Assess each patient's risk before prescribing, and monitor regularly for these behaviors and conditions. (5.1)
• Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur. Monitor closely, especially upon initiation or following a dose increase. Instruct patients to swallow Morphin Retard capsules whole to avoid exposure to a potentially fatal dose of Morphin Retard. (5.2)
• Accidental ingestion of Morphin Retard, especially by children, can result in fatal overdose of Morphin Retard. (5.2)
• Prolonged use of Morphin Retard during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. If prolonged opioid use is required in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available (5.3).
• Instruct patients not to consume alcohol or any products containing alcohol while taking Morphin Retard because co-ingestion can result in fatal plasma Morphin Retard levels. (5.4)
• Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate; limit dosages and durations to the minimum required; and follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. (5.4, 7)

Boxed Warning	12/2016
Dosage and Administration (2)	12/2016
Contraindications (4)	12/2016
Warnings and Precautions (5)	12/2016

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Morphin Retard is indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Morphin Retard is a combination opioid agonist/opioid antagonist product indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. (1)

Limitations of Use

• Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, and because of the greater risks of overdose and death with extended-release opioid formulations, reserve Morphin Retard for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options (e.g., non-opioid analgesics or immediate-release opioids) are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.(1)
• Morphin Retard is not indicated as an as-needed (prn) analgesic. (1)

Limitations of Use

• Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, and because of the greater risks of overdose and death with extended-release opioid formulations , reserve Morphin Retard for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options (e.g., non-opioid analgesics or immediate-release opioids) are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.
• Morphin Retard is not indicated as an as-needed (prn) analgesic.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

• To be prescribed only by healthcare providers knowledgeable in use of potent opioids for management of chronic pain.
• Morphin Retard 100 mg/4 mg capsules, a single dose greater than 60 mg/2.4 mg, or a total daily dose greater than 120 mg/5 mg are only for patients in whom tolerance to an opioid of comparable potency is established. (2.1)
• Patients considered opioid-tolerant are those taking, for one week or longer, at least 60 mg of Morphin Retard per day, 25 mcg transdermal fentanyl per hour, 30 mg of oral oxycodone per day, 8 mg of oral hydromorphone per day, 25 mg oral oxymorphone per day, 60 mg oral hydrocodone per day, or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid. (2.1)
• Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals. (2.1)
• Individualize dosing based on the severity of pain, patient response, prior analgesic experience, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse. (2.1)
• Instruct patients to swallow Morphin Retard capsules intact, or to sprinkle the capsule contents on applesauce and immediately swallow without chewing. (2.1)
• Instruct patients not to cut, break, crush, dissolve, or chew the pellets in the capsule to avoid the risk of release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of Morphin Retard, and to avoid release of sequestered naltrexone that could precipitate opioid withdrawal. (2.1, 5.1)
• For opioid-naïve and opioid non-tolerant patients, initiate with 20 mg/0.8 mg capsules (morphine sulfate/naltrexone hydrochloride) orally every 24 hours. (2.2)
• Do not abruptly discontinue Morphin Retard in a physically dependent patient. (2.5, 5.12)

2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions

Morphin Retard should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable in the use of potent opioids for the management of chronic pain.

Morphin Retard 100 mg/4 mg capsules, a single dose greater than 60 mg/2.4 mg, or a total daily dose greater than 120 mg/5 mg, are only for use in patients in whom tolerance to an opioid of comparable potency is established. Patients considered opioid-tolerant are those receiving, for one week or longer, at least 60 mg oral Morphin Retard per day, 25 mcg transdermal fentanyl per hour, 30 mg of oral oxycodone per day, 8 mg of oral hydromorphone per day, 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 consistent with individual patient treatment goals .
• Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually; taking into account the patient's severity of pain, patient response, prior analgesic treatment experience, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse .
• Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24–72 hours of initiating therapy and following dosage increases with Morphin Retard and adjust the dosage accordingly .

Instruct patients to swallow Morphin Retard capsules whole . Crushing, chewing, or dissolving Morphin Retard capsules will result in uncontrolled delivery of Morphin Retard and can lead to overdose or death .

Instruct patients who are unable to swallow Morphin Retard to sprinkle the capsule contents on applesauce and immediately swallow without chewing .

Morphin Retard is administered orally at a frequency of either once daily (every 24 hours) or twice daily (every 12 hours).

2.2 Initial Dosage

Use of Morphin Retard as the First Opioid Analgesic

Initiate treatment with Morphin Retard with 20 mg/0.8 mg capsule orally every 24 hours.

Use of Morphin Retard in Patients who are not Opioid Tolerant (opioid-non-tolerant patients)

The starting dose for patients who are not opioid tolerant is Morphin Retard 20 mg/0.8 mg orally every 24 hours.

Use of higher starting doses in patients who are not opioid tolerant may cause fatal respiratory depression .

Conversion from Other Opioids to Morphin Retard

Discontinue all other around-the-clock opioid drugs when Morphin Retard therapy is initiated.

There are no established conversion ratios from other opioids to Morphin Retard defined by clinical trials. Initiate dosing using Morphin Retard 30 mg orally every 24 hours.

It is safer to underestimate a patient's 24-hour oral Morphin Retard dosage and provide rescue medication (e.g., immediate-release Morphin Retard) than to overestimate the 24-hour Morphin Retard dosage and manage an adverse reaction due to an overdose. While there are useful tables of opioid equivalents readily available, there is inter-patient variability in the relative potency of opioid drugs and opioid formulations.

Close observation and frequent titration are warranted until pain management is stable on the new opioid. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal and for signs of over sedation/toxicity after converting patients to Morphin Retard.

Conversion from Other Oral Morphin Retard Formulations to Morphin Retard

Patients receiving other oral Morphin Retard formulations may be converted to Morphin Retard by administering one-half of the patient's total daily oral Morphin Retard dose as Morphin Retard twice daily, or by administering the total daily oral Morphin Retard dose as Morphin Retard once daily. There are no data to support the efficacy or safety of prescribing Morphin Retard more frequently than every 12 hours.

Conversion from Parenteral Morphin Retard, or Other Opioids, to Morphin Retard

When converting from parenteral Morphin Retard or other non-morphine opioids (parenteral or oral) to Morphin Retard, consider the following general points:

• Parenteral to Oral Morphin Retard Ratio: Between 2 mg and 6 mg of oral Morphin Retard may be required to provide analgesia equivalent to 1 mg of parenteral Morphin Retard. Typically, a dose of oral Morphin Retard that is three times the daily parenteral Morphin Retard requirement is sufficient.
• Other Oral or Parenteral Opioids to Oral Morphin Retard Ratios: Specific recommendations are not available because of a lack of systematic evidence for these types of analgesic substitutions. Published relative potency data are available, but such ratios are approximations. In general, begin with half of the estimated daily Morphin Retard requirement as the initial dose, managing inadequate analgesia by supplementation with immediate-release Morphin Retard.

Conversion from Methadone to Morphin Retard

Close monitoring is of particular importance when converting from methadone to other opioid agonists. The ratio between methadone and other opioid agonists may vary widely as a function of previous dose exposure. Methadone has a long half-life and can accumulate in the plasma.

The first dose of Morphin Retard may be taken with the last dose of any immediate-release opioid medication due to the extended-release characteristics of the Morphin Retard formulation.

2.3 Titration and Maintenance of Therapy

Individually titrate Morphin Retard to a dose that provides adequate analgesia and minimizes adverse reactions. Continually reevaluate patients receiving Morphin Retard to assess the maintenance of pain control and the relative incidence of adverse reactions, as well as monitoring for the development of addiction, abuse, or misuse . Frequent communication is important among the prescriber, other members of the healthcare team, the patient, and the caregiver/family during periods of changing analgesic requirements, including initial titration. During chronic therapy, periodically reassess the continued need for opioid analgesics.

Patients who experience breakthrough pain may require a dosage adjustment of Morphin Retard, or may need rescue medication with an appropriate dose of an immediate-release analgesic. If the level of pain increases after dose stabilization, attempt to identify the source of increased pain before increasing the Morphin Retard dosage. In patients experiencing inadequate analgesia with once-daily dosing of Morphin Retard, consider a twice-daily regimen. Because steady-state plasma concentrations are approximated within 24 to 36 hours, Morphin Retard dose may be adjusted every 1 to 2 days.

If unacceptable opioid-related adverse reactions are observed, consider reducing the dosage. Adjust the dosage to obtain an appropriate balance between management of pain and opioid-related adverse reactions.

2.4 Dosage Modifications with Concomitant Use of Central Nervous System Depressants

If the patient is currently taking a central nervous system depressant and the decision is made to begin Morphin Retard, start with 1/3 to 1/2 the recommended starting dosage of Morphin Retard, monitor patients for signs of respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension, and consider using a lower dosage of the concomitant CNS depressant .

2.5 Discontinuation of Morphin Retard

When a patient no longer requires therapy with Morphin Retard, taper the dose gradually, by 25% to 50% every 2 to 4 days, while monitoring carefully for signs and symptoms of withdrawal. If the patient develops these signs or symptoms, raise the dose to the previous level and taper more slowly, either by increasing the interval between decreases, decreasing the amount of change in dose, or both. Do not abruptly discontinue Morphin Retard .

2.6 Administration of Morphin Retard

Instruct patients to swallow Morphin Retard capsules intact. The capsules contain pellets that consist of Morphin Retard and sequestered naltrexone. The pellets in the capsules are not to be crushed, dissolved, or chewed due to the risk of rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of Morphin Retard . Consuming Morphin Retard capsules that have been altered by crushing, chewing, or dissolving the pellets can release sufficient naltrexone to precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent individuals .

Alternatively, the contents of the Morphin Retard capsules (pellets) may be sprinkled over applesauce and then swallowed. This method is appropriate only for patients able to reliably swallow the applesauce without chewing. Other foods have not been tested and should not be substituted for applesauce. Instruct the patient to:

• Sprinkle the pellets onto a small amount of applesauce and consume immediately without chewing.
• Rinse the mouth to ensure all pellets have been swallowed.
• Discard any unused portion of the Morphin Retard capsules after the contents have been sprinkled on applesauce.

Do not administer Morphin Retard pellets through a nasogastric or gastric tube.

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Extended-release capsules (morphine sulfate/naltrexone hydrochloride): 20 mg/0.8 mg, 30 mg/1.2 mg, 50 mg/2 mg, 60 mg/2.4 mg, 80 mg/3.2 mg, 100 mg/4 mg. Morphin Retard capsules contain creamy white to light tan spheroidal pellets, have an outer opaque capsule with colors as identified below.

	Morphin Retard 20 mg/0.8 mg	Morphin Retard 30 mg/1.2 mg	Morphin Retard 50 mg/2 mg	Morphin Retard 60 mg/2.4 mg	Morphin Retard 80 mg/3.2 mg	Morphin Retard 100 mg/4 mg
Morphin Retard sulfate	20 mg	30 mg	50 mg	60 mg	80 mg	100 mg
Sequestered naltrexone hydrochloride	0.8 mg	1.2 mg	2 mg	2.4 mg	3.2 mg	4 mg
Extended-Release Capsule Description For all strengths, the darker-toned cap has "EMBEDA" printed in grey ink and a single grey band around ¾ of the circumference.	Two-toned, yellow opaque hard gelatin capsule. The lighter-toned body has "20" reverse-printed in a grey circle.	Two-toned, blue-violet opaque hard gelatin capsule. The lighter-toned body has "30" reverse-printed in a grey circle.	Two-toned, blue opaque hard gelatin capsule. The lighter-toned body has "50" reverse-printed in a grey circle.	Two-toned, pink opaque hard gelatin capsule. The lighter-toned body has "60" reverse-printed in a grey circle.	Two-toned, light peach opaque elongated hard gelatin capsule. The lighter-toned body has "80" reverse-printed in a grey circle.	Two-toned, green opaque hard gelatin capsule. The lighter-toned body has "100" reverse-printed in a grey circle.

Extended-release capsules (morphine sulfate/naltrexone hydrochloride): 20 mg/0.8 mg, 30 mg/1.2 mg, 50 mg/2 mg, 60 mg/2.4 mg, 80 mg/3.2 mg, 100 mg/4 mg (3)

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

Morphin Retard is contraindicated in patients with:

• Significant respiratory depression
• Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment
• Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use of MAOIs within the last 14 days
• Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus
• Hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to Morphin Retard or naltrexone

• Significant respiratory depression (4)
• Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment (4)
• Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use of MAOIs within the last 14 days (5.6)
• Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus (4)
• Hypersensitivity to Morphin Retard or naltrexone (4)

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

• Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease or in Elderly, Cachectic, or Debilitated Patients: Monitor closely, particularly during initiation and titration.
• Adrenal Insufficiency: If diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement of corticosteroids, and wean patient off of the opioid. (5.7)
• Severe Hypotension: Monitor during dosage initiation and titration. Avoid use of Morphin Retard in patients with circulatory shock. (5.8)
• Risk of Use in Patients with Increased Intracranial Pressure, Brain Tumors, Head Injury or Impaired Consciousness: Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Avoid use of Morphin Retard in patients with impaired consciousness or coma. (5.9)

5.1 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

Morphin Retard contains Morphin Retard, a Schedule II controlled substance. As an opioid, Morphin Retard exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse . Because extended-release products such as Morphin Retard deliver the opioid over an extended period of time, there is a greater risk for overdose and death due to the larger amount of Morphin Retard present .

Although the risk of addiction in any individual is unknown, it can occur in patients appropriately prescribed Morphin Retard. Addiction can occur at recommended doses and if the drug is misused or abused.

Assess each patient's risk for opioid addiction, abuse, or misuse prior to prescribing Morphin Retard, and monitor all patients receiving Morphin Retard for the development of these behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with a personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression). The potential for these risks should not, however, prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed opioids such as Morphin Retard, but use in such patients necessitates intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of Morphin Retard along with intensive monitoring for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse.

Abuse or misuse of Morphin Retard by crushing, chewing, snorting, or injecting the dissolved product will result in the uncontrolled delivery of the Morphin Retard and can result in overdose and death . Misuse or abuse of Morphin Retard by these methods may also release sufficient naltrexone to precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent individuals .

Opioids are sought by drug abusers and people with addiction disorders and are subject to criminal diversion. Consider these risks when prescribing or dispensing Morphin Retard. Strategies to reduce these risks include prescribing the drug in the smallest appropriate quantity and advising the patient on the proper disposal of unused drug . Contact local state professional licensing board or state controlled substances authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product.

5.2 Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended. Respiratory depression, if not immediately recognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid antagonists, depending on the patient's clinical status . Carbon dioxide (CO₂) retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids.

While serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression can occur at any time during the use of Morphin Retard, the risk is greatest during the initiation of therapy or following a dosage increase. Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression especially during the first 24–72 hours of initiating therapy with and following dosage increases of Morphin Retard.

To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of Morphin Retard are essential . Overestimating the Morphin Retard dosage when converting patients from another opioid product can result in fatal overdose with the first dose.

Accidental ingestion of even one dose of Morphin Retard, especially by children, can result in respiratory depression and death due to an overdose of Morphin Retard.

5.3 Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Prolonged use of Morphin Retard during pregnancy can result in withdrawal in the neonate. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome in adults, may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. Observe newborns for signs of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly. Advise pregnant women using opioids for a prolonged period of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available .

5.4 Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants

Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from the concomitant use of Morphin Retard with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants. Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioid analgesics alone. Because of similar pharmacological properties, it is reasonable to expect similar risk with the concomitant use of other CNS depressant drugs with opioid analgesics [see Drug Interactions (7) ].

If the decision is made to prescribe a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant concomitantly with an opioid analgesic, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use. In patients already receiving an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid, and titrate based on clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is initiated in a patient already taking a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid analgesic, and titrate based on clinical response. Follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.

Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when Morphin Retard is used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (including alcohol and illicit drugs). Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of concomitant use of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant have been determined. Screen patients for risk of substance use disorders, including opioid abuse and misuse, and warn them of the risk for overdose and death associated with the use of additional CNS depressants including alcohol and illicit drugs .

Patients must not consume alcoholic beverages or prescription or non-prescription products containing alcohol while on Morphin Retard therapy. The co-ingestion of alcohol with Morphin Retard may result in increased plasma levels and a potentially fatal overdose of Morphin Retard .

5.5 Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease or in Elderly, Cachectic, or Debilitated Patients

The use of Morphin Retard in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment is contraindicated.

Patients with chronic pulmonary disease: EMBEDA-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with a substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or pre-existing respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive including apnea, even at recommended dosages of Morphin Retard .

Elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients: Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients because they may have altered pharmacokinetics or altered clearance compared to younger, healthier patients .

Monitor such patients closely, particularly when initiating and titrating Morphin Retard and when Morphin Retard is given concomitantly with other drugs that depress respiration . Alternatively, consider the use of non-opioid analgesics in these patients.

5.6 Interaction with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors may potentiate the effects of Morphin Retard, including respiratory depression, coma, and confusion. Morphin Retard should not be used in patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment.

5.7 Adrenal Insufficiency

Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use. Presentation of adrenal insufficiency may include non-specific symptoms and signs including nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. If adrenal insufficiency is suspected, confirm the diagnosis with diagnostic testing as soon as possible. If adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement doses of corticosteroids. Wean the patient off of the opioid to allow adrenal function to recover and continue corticosteroid treatment until adrenal function recovers. Other opioids may be tried as some cases reported use of a different opioid without recurrence of adrenal insufficiency. The information available does not identify any particular opioids as being more likely to be associated with adrenal insufficiency.

5.8 Severe Hypotension

Morphin Retard may cause severe hypotension including orthostatic hypotension and syncope in ambulatory patients. There is increased risk in patients whose ability to maintain blood pressure has already been compromised by a reduced blood volume or concurrent administration of certain CNS depressant drugs . Monitor these patients for signs of hypotension after initiating or titrating the dosage of Morphin Retard. In patients with circulatory shock, Morphin Retard may cause vasodilation that can further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure. Avoid the use of Morphin Retard in patients with circulatory shock.

5.9 Use in Patients with Increased Intracranial Pressure, Brain Tumors, Head Injury, or Impaired Consciousness

In patients susceptible to the intracranial effects of CO₂ retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), Morphin Retard may reduce respiratory drive, and the resultant CO₂ retention can further increase intracranial pressure. Monitor such patients for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, particularly when initiating therapy with Morphin Retard.

Opioids may also obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury. Avoid the use of Morphin Retard in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

5.10 Risks of Use in Patients with Gastrointestinal Conditions

Morphin Retard is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus. The Morphin Retard in Morphin Retard may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi. Opioids may cause increases in serum amylase. Monitor patients with biliary tract disease, including acute pancreatitis, for worsening symptoms.

5.11 Increased Risk of Seizures in Patients with Seizure Disorders

The Morphin Retard in Morphin Retard may increase the frequency of seizures in patients with seizure disorders, and may increase the risk of seizures in other clinical settings associated with seizures. Monitor patients with a history of seizure disorders for worsened seizure control during Morphin Retard therapy.

5.12 Withdrawal

Avoid the use of mixed agonist/antagonist or partial agonist (e.g., buprenorphine) analgesics in patients who have received or are receiving a full opioid agonist analgesic, including Morphin Retard. In these patients, mixed agonists/antagonist and partial agonist analgesics may reduce the analgesic effect and/or may precipitate withdrawal symptoms.

Consuming Morphin Retard capsules that have been altered by crushing, chewing, or dissolving the pellets can release sufficient naltrexone to precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent individuals. Symptoms of withdrawal usually appear within five minutes of ingestion of naltrexone, can last for up to 48 hours, and can include mental status changes, restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, and mydriasis. Significant fluid losses from vomiting and diarrhea can require intravenous (IV) fluid administration.

When discontinuing Morphin Retard, gradually taper the dosage . Do not abruptly discontinue Morphin Retard .

5.13 Risks of Driving and Operating Machinery

Morphin Retard may impair the mental or physical abilities needed to perform potentially hazardous activities such as driving a car or operating machinery. Warn patients not to drive or operate dangerous machinery unless they are tolerant to the effects of Morphin Retard and know how they will react to the medication .

5.14 Interference with Laboratory Tests

Naltrexone does not interfere with thin-layer, gas-liquid, and high performance liquid chromatographic methods which may be used for the separation and detection of Morphin Retard, methadone, or quinine in the urine. Naltrexone may or may not interfere with enzymatic methods for the detection of opioids depending on the specificity of the test. Consult the test manufacturer for specific details.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

The following serious adverse reactions described, or described in greater detail, in other sections:

• Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse
• Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression
• Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
• Interactions with Benzodiazepine or Other CNS Depressants
• Interaction with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
• Adrenal Insufficiency
• Severe Hypotension
• Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions
• Seizures
• Withdrawal

Most common adverse reactions (>10%): constipation, nausea, and somnolence. (6.1)

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer, Inc. at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

In the randomized study, the most common adverse reactions with Morphin Retard therapy were constipation, nausea, and somnolence. The most common adverse reactions leading to study discontinuation were nausea, constipation (sometimes severe), vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, pruritus, and somnolence.

Short-Term Randomized Study

This study utilized an enriched enrollment with a randomized withdrawal design in which subjects were titrated to effect on open-label Morphin Retard for up to 45 days. Once their pain was controlled, 344 of 547 subjects were randomized to either an active treatment with Morphin Retard or were tapered off Morphin Retard using a double-dummy design and placed on placebo. The maintenance Period was 12 weeks. Adverse reactions, reported in ≥2% of subjects in either the titration or maintenance phase of the 12-week study are presented in Table 1.

	Titration	Maintenance
Adverse Reaction	Morphin Retard (N=547) n (%)	Morphin Retard (N=171) n (%)	Placebo (N=173) n (%)
Constipation	165 (30%)	12 (7%)	7 (4%)
Nausea	106 (19%)	19 (11%)	11 (6%)
Somnolence	76 (14%)	2 (1%)	5 (3%)
Vomiting	46 (8%)	7 (4%)	2 (1%)
Dizziness	42 (8%)	2 (1%)	2 (1%)
Pruritus	34 (6%)	0	1 (1%)
Dry mouth	31 (6%)	3 (2%)	2 (1%)
Headache	22 (4%)	4 (2%)	2 (1%)
Fatigue	16 (3%)	1 (1%)	2 (1%)
Insomnia	7 (1%)	5 (3%)	4 (2%)
Diarrhea	6 (1%)	12 (7%)	12 (7%)
Abdominal pain upper	6 (1%)	4 (2%)	3 (2%)
Flushing	0	4 (2%)	1 (1%)

Long-Term Open-Label Safety Study

In the long-term open-label safety study, 465 patients with chronic non-malignant pain were enrolled and 124 patients were treated for up to 1 year. The distributions of adverse events were similar to that of the randomized, controlled studies, and were consistent with the most common opioid-related adverse reactions. Adverse reactions reported in ≥2.0% of subjects are presented in Table 2.

Adverse Reaction	Morphin Retard (N=465) n (%)
Constipation	145 (31%)
Nausea	103 (22%)
Vomiting	37 (8%)
Somnolence	34 (7%)
Headache	32 (7%)
Pruritus	26 (6%)
Fatigue	19 (4%)
Dizziness	19 (4%)
Dry mouth	17 (4%)
Hyperhidrosis	16 (3%)
Insomnia	13 (3%)
Diarrhea	10 (2%)
Anxiety	10 (2%)

Adverse Reactions Observed in the Phase 2/3 Studies

Most common (≥10%): constipation, nausea, somnolence

Common (≥1% to <10%): vomiting, headache, dizziness, pruritus, dry mouth, diarrhea, fatigue, insomnia, hyperhidrosis, anxiety, chills, abdominal pain, lethargy, edema peripheral, dyspepsia, anorexia, muscle spasms, depression, flatulence, restlessness, decreased appetite, irritability, stomach discomfort, tremor, arthralgia, hot flush, sedation

Less common (<1%):

Eye disorders: vision blurred, orthostatic hypotension

Gastrointestinal disorders: abdominal distension, pancreatitis, abdominal discomfort, fecaloma, abdominal pain lower, abdominal tenderness

General disorders and administration site conditions: malaise, asthenia, feeling jittery, drug withdrawal syndrome

Hepatobiliary disorders: cholecystitis

Investigations: alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: myalgia, muscular weakness

Nervous system disorders: depressed level of consciousness, mental impairment, memory impairment, disturbance in attention, stupor, paresthesia, coordination abnormal

Psychiatric disorders: disorientation, thinking abnormal, mental status changes, confusional state, euphoric mood, hallucination, abnormal dreams, mood swings, nervousness

Renal and urinary disorders: urinary retention, dysuria

Reproductive system and breast disorders: erectile dysfunction

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: dyspnea, rhinorrhea

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: rash, piloerection, cold sweat, night sweats

Vascular disorders: hypotension, flushing

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Morphin Retard. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Serotonin syndrome: Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs.

Adrenal insufficiency: Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use.

Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in Morphin Retard.

Androgen deficiency: Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with chronic use of opioids .

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

Table 3 includes clinically significant drug interactions with Morphin Retard.

Alcohol
Clinical Impact:	Concomitant use of alcohol with Morphin Retard can result in an increase of Morphin Retard plasma levels and potentially fatal overdose of Morphin Retard.
Intervention:	Instruct patients not to consume alcoholic beverages or use prescription or non-prescription products containing alcohol while on Morphin Retard therapy .
Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
Clinical Impact:	Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death.
Intervention:	Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation .
Examples:	Benzodiazepines, and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, other opioids, alcohol.
Serotonergic Drugs
Clinical Impact:	The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome.
Intervention:	If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue Morphin Retard if serotonin syndrome is suspected.
Examples:	Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue).
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Clinical Impact:	MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) .
Intervention:	Do not use Morphin Retard in patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment.
Examples:	Phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid
Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics
Clinical Impact:	May reduce the analgesic effect of Morphin Retard and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.
Intervention:	Avoid concomitant use.
Examples:	Butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine
Muscle Relaxants
Clinical Impact:	Opioids may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression.
Intervention:	Monitor patients for signs of respiratory depression that may be greater than otherwise expected and decrease the dosage of Morphin Retard and/or muscle relaxant as necessary.
Cimetidine
Clinical Impact:	The concomitant use of cimetidine can potentiate Morphin Retard effects and increase risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death.
Intervention:	Monitor patients for respiratory depression that may be greater than otherwise expected and decrease the dosage of Morphin Retard and/or cimetidine as necessary.
Diuretics
Clinical Impact:	Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone.
Intervention:	Monitor patients for signs of diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diuretic as needed.
Anticholinergic Drugs
Clinical Impact:	The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs may increase risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus.
Intervention:	Monitor patients for signs of urinary retention or reduced gastric motility when Morphin Retard is used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs.
P-Glycoprotein (PGP) Inhibitors
Clinical Impact:	The concomitant use of PGP-inhibitors can increase the exposure of Morphin Retard by about two-fold and can increase risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death.
Intervention:	Monitor patients for signs of respiratory depression that may be greater than otherwise expected and decrease the dosage of Morphin Retard and/or PGP-inhibitor as necessary.

• Serotonergic Drugs: Concomitant use may result in serotonin syndrome. Discontinue Morphin Retard if serotonin syndrome is suspected. (7)
• Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics: Avoid use with Morphin Retard because they may reduce analgesic effect of Morphin Retard or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. (5.12, 7)

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

• Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm.
• Lactation: Not recommended. (8.3)

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Prolonged use of opioid analgesics during pregnancy can cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. There are no available data with Morphin Retard in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. Published studies with Morphin Retard use during pregnancy have not reported a clear association with Morphin Retard and major birth defects . In published animal reproduction studies, Morphin Retard administered subcutaneously during the early gestational period produced neural tube defects (i.e., exencephaly and cranioschisis) at 5 and 16 times the human daily dose of 60 mg based on body surface area (HDD) in hamsters and mice, respectively, lower fetal body weight and increased incidence of abortion at 0.4 times the HDD in the rabbit, growth retardation at 6 times the HDD in the rat, and axial skeletal fusion and cryptorchidism at 16 times the HDD in the mouse. Administration of Morphin Retard sulfate to pregnant rats during organogenesis and through lactation resulted in cyanosis, hypothermia, decreased brain weights, pup mortality, decreased pup body weights, and adverse effects on reproductive tissues at 3–4 times the HDD; and long-term neurochemical changes in the brain of offspring which correlate with altered behavioral responses that persist through adulthood at exposures comparable to and less than the HDD . Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions

Prolonged use of opioid analgesics during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, and failure to gain weight. The onset, duration, and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome vary based on the specific opioid used, duration of use, timing and amount of last maternal use, and rate of elimination of the drug by the newborn. Observe newborns for symptoms of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly .

Labor or Delivery

Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates. An opioid antagonist, such as naloxone, must be available for reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression in the neonate. Morphin Retard is not recommended for use in pregnant women during or immediately prior to labor, when use of shorter-acting analgesics or other analgesic techniques are more appropriate. Opioid analgesics, including Morphin Retard, can prolong labor through actions which temporarily reduce the strength, duration, and frequency of uterine contractions. However, this effect is not consistent and may be offset by an increased rate of cervical dilation, which tends to shorten labor. Monitor neonates exposed to opioid analgesics during labor for signs of excess sedation and respiratory depression.

Data

Human Data

The results from a population-based prospective cohort, including 70 women exposed to Morphin Retard during the first trimester of pregnancy and 448 women exposed to Morphin Retard at any time during pregnancy, indicate no increased risk for congenital malformations. However, these studies cannot definitely establish the absence of any risk because of methodological limitations, including small sample size and non-randomized study design.

Animal Data

Formal reproductive and developmental toxicology studies for Morphin Retard have not been conducted. Exposure margins for the following published study reports are based on human daily dose of 60 mg Morphin Retard using a body surface area comparison (HDD). Neural tube defects (exencephaly and cranioschisis) were noted following subcutaneous administration of Morphin Retard sulfate (35–322 mg/kg) on Gestation Day 8 to pregnant hamsters (4.7 to 43.5 times the HDD). A no adverse effect level was not defined in this study and the findings cannot be clearly attributed to maternal toxicity. Neural tube defects (exencephaly), axial skeletal fusions, and cryptorchidism were reported following a single subcutaneous (SC) injection of Morphin Retard sulfate to pregnant mice (100–500 mg/kg) on Gestation Day 8 or 9 at 200 mg/kg or greater (16 times the HDD) and fetal resorption at 400 mg/kg or higher (32 times the HDD). No adverse effects were noted following 100 mg/kg Morphin Retard in this model (8 times the HDD). In one study, following continuous subcutaneous infusion of doses greater than or equal to 2.72 mg/kg to mice (0.2 times the HDD), exencephaly, hydronephrosis, intestinal hemorrhage, split supraoccipital, malformed sternebrae, and malformed xiphoid were noted. The effects were reduced with increasing daily dose; possibly due to rapid induction of tolerance under these infusion conditions. The clinical significance of this report is not clear.

Decreased fetal weights were observed in pregnant rats treated with 20 mg/kg/day Morphin Retard sulfate (3.2 times the HDD) from Gestation Day 7 to 9. There was no evidence of malformations despite maternal toxicity (10% mortality). In a second rat study, decreased fetal weight and increased incidences of growth retardation were noted at 35 mg/kg/day (5.7 times the HDD) and there was a reduced number of fetuses at 70 mg/kg/day (11.4 times the HDD) when pregnant rats were treated with 10, 35, or 70 mg/kg/day Morphin Retard sulfate via continuous infusion from Gestation Day 5 to 20. There was no evidence of fetal malformations or maternal toxicity.

An increased incidence of abortion was noted in a study in which pregnant rabbits were treated with 2.5 (0.8 times the HDD) to 10 mg/kg Morphin Retard sulfate via subcutaneous injection from Gestation Day 6 to 10. In a second study, decreased fetal body weights were reported following treatment of pregnant rabbits with increasing doses of Morphin Retard (10–50 mg/kg/day) during the pre-mating period and 50 mg/kg/day (16 times the HDD) throughout the gestation period. No overt malformations were reported in either publication; although only limited endpoints were evaluated.

In published studies in rats, exposure to Morphin Retard during gestation and/or lactation periods is associated with: decreased pup viability at 12.5 mg/kg/day or greater (2 times the HDD); decreased pup body weights at 15 mg/kg/day or greater (2.4 times the HDD); decreased litter size, decreased absolute brain and cerebellar weights, cyanosis, and hypothermia at 20 mg/kg/day (3.2 times the HDD); alteration of behavioral responses (play, social-interaction) at 1 mg/kg/day or greater (0.2 times the HDD); alteration of maternal behaviors (e.g., decreased nursing and pup retrievals) in mice at 1 mg/kg or higher (0.08 times the HDD) and rats at 1.5 mg/kg/day or higher (0.2 times the HDD); and a host of behavioral abnormalities in the offspring of rats, including altered responsiveness to opioids at 4 mg/kg/day (0.7 times the HDD) or greater.

Fetal and/or postnatal exposure to Morphin Retard in mice and rats has been shown to result in morphological changes in fetal and neonatal brain and neuronal cell loss, alteration of a number of neurotransmitter and neuromodulator systems, including opioid and non-opioid systems, and impairment in various learning and memory tests that appear to persist into adulthood. These studies were conducted with Morphin Retard treatment usually in the range of 4 to 20 mg/kg/day (0.7 to 3.2 times the HDD).

Additionally, delayed sexual maturation and decreased sexual behaviors in female offspring at 20 mg/kg/day (3.2 times the HDD), and decreased plasma and testicular levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone, decreased testes weights, seminiferous tubule shrinkage, germinal cell aplasia, and decreased spermatogenesis in male offspring were also observed at 20 mg/kg/day (3.2 times the HDD). Decreased litter size and viability were observed in the offspring of male rats that were intraperitoneally administered Morphin Retard sulfate for 1 day prior to mating at 25 mg/kg/day (4.1 times the HDD) and mated to untreated females. Decreased viability and body weight and/or movement deficits in both first and second generation offspring were reported when male mice were treated for 5 days with escalating doses of 120 to 240 mg/kg/day Morphin Retard sulfate (9.7 to 19.5 times the HDD) or when female mice treated with escalating doses of 60 to 240 mg/kg/day (4.9 to 19.5 times the HDD) followed by a 5-day treatment-free recovery period prior to mating. Similar multigenerational findings were also seen in female rats pre-gestationally treated with escalating doses of 10 to 22 mg/kg/day Morphin Retard (1.6 to 3.6 times the HDD).

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

Morphin Retard is present in breast milk. Published lactation studies report variable concentrations of Morphin Retard in breast milk with administration of immediate-release Morphin Retard to nursing mothers in the early postpartum period with a milk-to-plasma Morphin Retard AUC ratio of 2.5:1 measured in one lactation study. However, there is insufficient information to determine the effects of Morphin Retard on the breastfed infant and the effects of Morphin Retard on milk production. Lactation studies have not been conducted with extended-release Morphin Retard, including Morphin Retard. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including excess sedation and respiratory depression in a breastfed infant, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Morphin Retard.

Clinical Considerations

Monitor infants exposed to Morphin Retard through breast milk for excess sedation and respiratory depression. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breastfed infants when maternal administration of Morphin Retard is stopped, or when breastfeeding is stopped.

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Infertility

Chronic use of opioids may cause reduced fertility in females and males of reproductive potential. It is not known whether these effects on fertility are reversible .

In published animal studies, Morphin Retard administration adversely effected fertility and reproductive endpoints in male rats and prolonged estrus cycle in female rats .

8.4 Pediatric Use

The safety and efficacy of Morphin Retard in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of Morphin Retard did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. The pharmacokinetics of Morphin Retard have not been investigated in elderly patients although such patients were included in clinical studies. In a long-term open-label safety study, the pre-dose plasma Morphin Retard concentrations after dose normalization were similar for subjects <65 years and those ≥65 years of age. Limited data are available on the pharmacokinetics of Morphin Retard in geriatric patients .

Elderly patients (aged 65 years or older) may have increased sensitivity to Morphin Retard. In general, use caution when selecting a dosage for an elderly patient, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Respiratory depression is the chief risk for elderly patients treated with opioids, and has occurred after large initial doses were administered to patients who were not opioid-tolerant or when opioids were co-administered with other agents that depress respiration. Titrate the dosage of Morphin Retard slowly in geriatric patients and monitor closely for signs of central nervous system and respiratory depression .

This drug is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

8.6 Hepatic Impairment

Morphin Retard pharmacokinetics have been reported to be significantly altered in patients with cirrhosis. Start these patients with a lower than usual dosage of Morphin Retard and titrate slowly while monitoring for signs of respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension .

8.7 Renal Impairment

Morphin Retard pharmacokinetics are altered in patients with renal failure. Start these patients with a lower than usual dosage of Morphin Retard and titrate slowly while monitoring for signs of respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension .

9 DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE

9.1 Controlled Substance

Morphin Retard contains Morphin Retard, a Schedule II controlled substance.

9.2 Abuse

EMBEDA contains Morphin Retard, a substance with a high potential for abuse similar to other opioids including fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, methadone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, and tapentadol. Morphin Retard can be abused and is subject to misuse, addiction, and criminal diversion .

The high drug content in extended-release formulations adds to the risk of adverse outcomes from abuse and misuse.

All patients treated with opioids require careful monitoring for signs of abuse and addiction, because use of opioid analgesic products carries the risk of addiction even under appropriate medical use.

Prescription drug abuse is the intentional non-therapeutic use of a prescription drug, even once, for its rewarding psychological or physiological effects.

Drug addiction is a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that develop after repeated substance use and includes: a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling its use, persisting in its use despite harmful consequences, a higher priority given to drug use than to other activities and obligations, increased tolerance, and sometimes a physical withdrawal.

"Drug-seeking" behavior is very common in persons with substance use disorders. Drug-seeking tactics include emergency calls or visits near the end of office hours, refusal to undergo appropriate examination, testing, or referral, repeated "loss" of prescriptions, tampering with prescriptions, and reluctance to provide prior medical records or contact information for other treating healthcare provider(s). "Doctor shopping" (visiting multiple prescribers to obtain additional prescriptions) is common among drug abusers and people suffering from untreated addiction. Preoccupation with achieving adequate pain relief can be appropriate behavior in a patient with poor pain control.

Abuse and addiction are separate and distinct from physical dependence and tolerance. Healthcare providers should be aware that addiction may not be accompanied by concurrent tolerance and symptoms of physical dependence in all addicts. In addition, abuse of opioids can occur in the absence of true addiction.

Morphin Retard, like other opioids, can be diverted for non-medical use into illicit channels of distribution. Careful record-keeping of prescribing information, including quantity, frequency, and renewal requests, as required by state and federal law, is strongly advised.

Proper assessment of the patient, proper prescribing practices, periodic re-evaluation of therapy, and proper dispensing and storage are appropriate measures that help to limit abuse of opioid drugs.

Risks Specific to Abuse of Morphin Retard

Morphin Retard is for oral use only. Abuse of Morphin Retard poses a risk of overdose and death. This risk is increased with concurrent abuse of Morphin Retard with alcohol and other central nervous system depressants. Taking cut, broken, chewed, crushed, or dissolved Morphin Retard enhances drug release and increases the risk of overdose and death. The sequestered naltrexone hydrochloride in Morphin Retard is intended to have no clinical effect when Morphin Retard is taken as directed; however, if the capsules are crushed or chewed, up to 100% of the sequestered naltrexone HCl dose could be released, bioequivalent to an immediate-release (IR) naltrexone HCl oral solution of the same dose. In opioid-tolerant individuals, the absorption of naltrexone HCl may increase the risk of precipitating withdrawal.

Due to the presence of talc as one of the excipients in Morphin Retard, parenteral abuse can be expected to result in local tissue necrosis, infection, pulmonary granulomas, embolism and death, and increased risk of endocarditis and valvular heart injury. Parenteral drug abuse is commonly associated with transmission of infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.

Abuse Deterrence Studies

Morphin Retard is formulated with a sequestered opioid antagonist, naltrexone HCl, which is released with manipulation by crushing.

In Vitro Testing

In vitro laboratory tests were performed to evaluate the effect of different physical and chemical conditions intended to defeat the extended-release formulation. When Morphin Retard is crushed and mixed in a variety of solvents, both Morphin Retard sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride are simultaneously extracted.

Clinical Studies

The abuse potential of Morphin Retard when crushed was examined in three studies following administration by the oral (Studies 1 and 2) and intranasal (Study 3) routes. A fourth study was conducted with IV administration of simulated crushed Morphin Retard (Study 4). These were randomized, double-blind, single dose, placebo and active-controlled, crossover studies in non-dependent recreational opioid users. Drug Liking in Studies 1– 3 was measured on a bipolar 100-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS) where 0 represents maximum disliking, 50 represents a neutral response (neither like nor dislike), and 100 represents maximum liking. Drug Liking in Study 4 and Drug High in all studies was measured on a unipolar 100-point VAS where 0 represents no response and 100 represents maximum response. Response to whether the subject would take the study drug again was also measured in two studies (Study 2, Study 3) on a bipolar 100-point VAS where 0 represents the strongest negative response (e.g., 'definitely would not'), 50 represents a neutral response, and 100 represents the strongest positive response (e.g., 'definitely would'). The pharmacokinetics of Morphin Retard sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride were also determined in these abuse potential studies. When Morphin Retard was crushed and administered by the oral and intranasal routes, Morphin Retard and naltrexone were absorbed with similar median time-to-peak concentration (T_max) values of 1 hour following oral administration and approximately 36 minutes following intranasal administration.

Oral Studies:

Study 1 compared Morphin Retard to IR Morphin Retard sulfate. In this study 32 subjects received four treatments: 120 mg/4.8 mg as intact Morphin Retard capsules, 120 mg/4.8 mg as crushed Morphin Retard in solution, 120 mg IR Morphin Retard in solution, and placebo. When Morphin Retard was crushed and taken orally, the geometric mean (±SD) values for naltrexone C_max and AUC_inf were 1073 ± 721 pg/mL and 3649 ± 1868 pg∙hr/mL, respectively. The oral administration of crushed Morphin Retard was associated with statistically significantly lower mean and median Drug Liking and Drug High scores compared with crushed IR Morphin Retard (as summarized in Table 4).

Figure 1 (Study 1) demonstrates a comparison of Drug Liking for crushed Morphin Retard compared to crushed IR Morphin Retard sulfate when given by the oral route in subjects who received both treatments. The Y-axis represents the percent of subjects attaining a percent reduction in Drug Liking with crushed Morphin Retard vs. Morphin Retard greater than or equal to the value on the X-axis. Of the 32 subjects who completed the study, approximately 81% of subjects had some reduction in Drug Liking and Drug High with crushed Morphin Retard compared to administration of IR Morphin Retard sulfate, while approximately 19% had no reduction in Drug Liking or in Drug High. At least a 30% and 50% reduction in Drug Liking with crushed Morphin Retard compared to IR Morphin Retard was observed in 72% and 56% of subjects, respectively (summarized in Figure 1). At least a 30% and 50% reduction in Drug High with crushed Morphin Retard was observed in 56% and 31% of subjects, respectively.

Study 2 compared Morphin Retard to ER Morphin Retard sulfate. In this study 36 subjects were randomized to receive three treatments in solution: 120 mg/4.8 mg as crushed Morphin Retard capsules, 120 mg crushed ER Morphin Retard, and placebo. When Morphin Retard was crushed and taken orally, the geometric mean (±SD) values for naltrexone C_max, AUC_0–2h, and AUC_inf were 824 ± 469 pg/mL, 1121 ± 561 pg∙hr/mL, and 2984 ± 1388 pg∙hr/mL, respectively. The oral administration of crushed Morphin Retard was associated with statistically significantly lower mean and median Drug Liking, Drug High, and Take Drug Again scores compared with crushed ER Morphin Retard (summarized in Table 4).

Figure 1 (Study 2) demonstrates a comparison of maximum Drug Liking for crushed Morphin Retard compared to crushed ER Morphin Retard in subjects who received both treatments. Of the 33 subjects who completed the study, approximately 85% of subjects had some reduction in Drug Liking with crushed Morphin Retard compared to administration of crushed ER Morphin Retard sulfate, while approximately 15% had no reduction in Drug Liking. Similarly, 100% of subjects showed some reduction in Drug High with crushed Morphin Retard compared to crushed ER Morphin Retard. At least a 30% and 50% reduction in Drug Liking with crushed Morphin Retard compared to crushed ER Morphin Retard was observed in 76% and 52% of subjects, respectively (summarized in Figure 1). At least a 30% and 50% reduction in Drug High with crushed Morphin Retard was observed in 79% and 64% of subjects, respectively.

VAS Scale (100 point)		Emax
		Crushed Morphin Retard (120 mg/4.8 mg)	Crushed Morphin Retard (120 mg )
Emax = maximal response; ER = extended release; IR = immediate release; SE = standard error.
Study 1			Immediate Release
Drug LikingPresented on bipolar 100-point Visual Analog Scales (VAS) (0=maximum negative response, 50=neutral response, 100=maximum positive response).	Mean (SE)	68.1 (3.1)	89.5 (2.2)
	Median (range)	62 (50–100)	93 (57–100)
Drug HighPresented on a unipolar 100-point VAS scale (0=no response, 100=maximum response).	Mean (SE)	54.7 (6.1)	90.2 (2.1)
	Median (range)	64 (0–100)	97 (61–100)
Study 2			Extended Release
Drug Liking	Mean (SE)	65.2 (2.0)	80.6 (2.3)
	Median (range)	65 (51–100)	81 (50–100)
Drug High	Mean (SE)	29.2 (3.6)	64.1 (3.3)
	Median (range)	27 (0–78)	63 (28–100)
Take Drug Again	Mean (SE)	58.0 (3.8)	70.6 (4.3)
	Median (range)	58 (9–100)	75 (12–100)

Figure 1: Percent Reduction Profiles for E_max of Drug Liking VAS for Morphin Retard vs. Morphin Retard Following Oral Administration in Studies 1 and 2.

Figure 1

Intranasal Study:

Study 3 compared intranasal administration of crushed Morphin Retard to crushed ER Morphin Retard sulfate. In this study, 33 subjects were randomized to receive three treatments: 30 mg/1.2 mg as crushed Morphin Retard, 30 mg crushed ER Morphin Retard, and crushed placebo. When Morphin Retard was crushed and taken intranasally, the geometric mean (±SD) values for naltrexone C_max, AUC_0–2h, and AUC_inf were 1441 ± 411 pg/mL, 1722 ± 441 pg∙hr/mL and 3228 ± 846 pg∙hr/mL, respectively. Intranasal administration of crushed Morphin Retard was associated with statistically significantly lower mean and median Drug Liking, Drug High, and Take Drug Again scores compared with crushed ER Morphin Retard (summarized in Table 5).

Figure 2 demonstrates a comparison of maximum Drug Liking for intranasal administration of crushed Morphin Retard compared to crushed ER Morphin Retard in subjects who received both treatments. Of the 27 subjects who completed the study, approximately 78% of subjects had some reduction in Drug Liking with crushed Morphin Retard compared to administration of crushed ER Morphin Retard sulfate, while approximately 22% had no reduction in Drug Liking. Similarly, approximately 70% of subjects showed some reduction in Drug High with crushed Morphin Retard compared to crushed ER Morphin Retard and approximately 30% of subjects had no reduction in Drug High. At least a 30% and 50% reduction in Drug Liking with crushed Morphin Retard compared to crushed ER Morphin Retard was observed in 63% and 59% of subjects, respectively (summarized in Figure 2). At least a 30% and 50% reduction in Drug High with crushed Morphin Retard was observed in 59% and 37% of subjects, respectively.

VAS Scale (100 point)		Emax
		Crushed Morphin Retard (30 mg/1.2 mg)	Crushed ER Morphin Retard (30 mg)
Emax = maximal response; ER = extended release; SE = standard error.
Drug LikingPresented on bipolar 100-point Visual Analog Scales (VAS) (0=maximum negative response, 50=neutral response, 100=maximum positive response).	Mean (SE)	69.0 (3.5)	88.4 (3.2)
	Median (range)	66 (50–100)	100 (51–100)
Drug HighPresented on a unipolar 100-point VAS scale (0=no response, 100=maximum response).	Mean (SE)	48.6 (7.8)	84.4 (3.8)
	Median (range)	51 (-39–100)	100 (42–100)
Take Drug Again	Mean (SE)	59.1 (5.4)	87.0 (4.0)
	Median (range)	56 (0–100)	100 (12–100)

Figure 2: Percent Reduction Profiles for E_max of Drug Liking VAS for Morphin Retard vs. Morphin Retard Following Intranasal Administration in Study 3.

Figure 2

Simulated IV Study:

Study 4, a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-way cross-over trial in 28 non-dependent recreational opioid users, was performed using 30 mg of intravenous (IV) Morphin Retard sulfate alone and 30 mg of IV Morphin Retard sulfate in combination with 1.2 mg of IV naltrexone to simulate parenteral use of crushed Morphin Retard. These doses were based on the assumption of the complete release of both Morphin Retard sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride upon crushing Morphin Retard. Intravenous administration of the combination of Morphin Retard sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride was associated with statistically significantly lower mean and median Drug Liking and Drug High scores (median scores 34 and 23, respectively) compared with Morphin Retard alone (median scores 86 and 89, respectively). Three of the 26 subjects who completed the study had no reduction in Drug Liking and all the subjects showed some reduction in Drug High. Intravenous injection of crushed Morphin Retard may result in serious injury and death due to a Morphin Retard overdose and may precipitate a severe withdrawal syndrome in opioid-dependent patients.

Summary

The in vitro and pharmacokinetic data demonstrate that crushing Morphin Retard pellets results in the simultaneous release and rapid absorption of Morphin Retard sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride. These data along with results from the oral and intranasal human abuse potential studies indicate that Morphin Retard has properties that are expected to reduce abuse via the oral and intranasal route. However, abuse of Morphin Retard by these routes is still possible.

Additional data, including epidemiological data, when available, may provide further information on the impact of the current formulation of Morphin Retard on the abuse liability of the drug. Accordingly, this section may be updated in the future as appropriate.

A human abuse potential study of intravenous Morphin Retard and naltrexone to simulate crushed Morphin Retard demonstrated lower Drug Liking and Drug High compared with Morphin Retard alone. However, it is unknown whether these results with simulated crushed Morphin Retard predict a reduction in abuse by the IV route until additional postmarketing data are available.

Morphin Retard contains Morphin Retard sulfate, an opioid agonist and Schedule II controlled substance with an abuse liability similar to other opioid agonists, legal and illicit, including fentanyl, hydromorphone, methadone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone. Morphin Retard can be abused and is subject to misuse, addiction, and criminal diversion .

9.3 Dependence

Both tolerance and physical dependence can develop during chronic opioid therapy. Tolerance is the need for increasing doses of opioids to maintain a defined effect such as analgesia (in the absence of disease progression or other external factors). Tolerance may occur to both the desired and undesired effects of drugs, and may develop at different rates for different effects.

Physical dependence results in withdrawal symptoms after abrupt discontinuation or a significant dosage reduction of a drug. Withdrawal also may be precipitated through the administration of drugs with opioid antagonist activity (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene), mixed agonist/antagonist analgesics (e.g., pentazocine, butorphanol, nalbuphine), or partial agonists (e.g., buprenorphine). Physical dependence may not occur to a clinically significant degree until after several days to weeks of continued opioid usage.

Morphin Retard should not be abruptly discontinued . If Morphin Retard is abruptly discontinued in a physically dependent patient, a withdrawal syndrome may occur. Some or all of the following can characterize this syndrome: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, and mydriasis. Other signs and symptoms also may develop, including irritability, anxiety, backache, joint pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or increased blood pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate.

Infants born to mothers physically dependent on opioids will also be physically dependent and may exhibit respiratory difficulties and withdrawal symptoms .

10 OVERDOSAGE

Clinical Presentation

Acute overdose with Morphin Retard can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen due to severe hypoxia in overdose situations .

Treatment of Overdose

In case of overdose, priorities are the reestablishment of a patent and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias will require advanced life support techniques.

The opioid antagonists, naloxone or nalmefene, are specific antidotes to respiratory depression resulting from opioid overdose. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to Morphin Retard overdose, administer an opioid antagonist. Opioid antagonists should not be administered in the absence of clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to Morphin Retard overdose.

Because the duration of opioid reversal is be expected to be less than the duration of action of Morphin Retard in Morphin Retard, carefully monitor the patient until spontaneous respiration is reliably reestablished. Morphin Retard will continue to release Morphin Retard and add to the Morphin Retard load for 24 to 48 hours or longer following ingestion, necessitating prolonged monitoring. If the response to opioid antagonists is suboptimal or only brief in nature, administer additional antagonist as directed in the product's prescribing information.

In an individual physically dependent on opioids, administration of the recommended usual dosage of the antagonist may precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms experienced will depend on the degree of physical dependence and the dose of the antagonist administered. If a decision is made to treat serious respiratory depression in the physically dependent patient, administration of the antagonist should be initiated with care and by titration with smaller than usual doses of the antagonist.

The sequestered naltrexone in Morphin Retard has no role in the treatment of opioid overdose.

11 DESCRIPTION

Morphin Retard extended-release capsules are for oral use and contain pellets of Morphin Retard sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride at a ratio of 100:4. Morphin Retard sulfate is an opioid agonist and naltrexone hydrochloride is an opioid antagonist.

Each Morphin Retard extended-release capsule contains the following inactive ingredients common to all strengths: talc, ammonio methacrylate copolymer, sugar spheres, ethylcellulose, sodium chloride, polyethylene glycol, hydroxypropyl cellulose, dibutyl sebacate, methacrylic acid copolymer, diethyl phthalate, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, and ascorbic acid.

The capsule shells contain gelatin, titanium dioxide, and grey ink, FD&C yellow #10 (EMBEDA 20 mg/0.8 mg), FD&C red #3, FD&C blue #1 (EMBEDA 30 mg/1.2 mg), D&C red #28, FD&C red #40, FD&C blue #1 (EMBEDA 50 mg/2 mg), D&C red #28, FD&C red #40, FD&C blue #1 (EMBEDA 60 mg/2.4 mg), FD&C blue #1, FD&C red #40, FD&C yellow #6 (EMBEDA 80 mg/3.2 mg), D&C yellow #10, FD&C blue #1 (EMBEDA 100 mg/4 mg).

Morphin Retard Sulfate

The chemical name of Morphin Retard sulfate is 7,8-didehydro-4,5 α-epoxy-17-methyl-morphinan-3,6 α-diol sulfate (2:1) (salt) pentahydrate. The empirical formula is (C₁₇H₁₉NO₃)₂∙H₂SO₄∙5H₂O and its molecular weight is 758.85.

Morphin Retard sulfate is an odorless, white, crystalline powder with a bitter taste. It has a solubility of 1 in 21 parts of water and 1 in 1000 parts of alcohol, but is practically insoluble in chloroform or ether. The octanol:water partition coefficient of Morphin Retard is 1.42 at physiologic pH and the pK_b is 7.9 for the tertiary nitrogen (mostly ionized at pH 7.4). Its structural formula is:

Chemical Structure

Naltrexone Hydrochloride

The chemical name of naltrexone hydrochloride is (5α)-17-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-4,5-epoxy-3,14-dihydroxymorphinan-6-one hydrochloride. The empirical formula is C₂₀H₂₃NO₄∙HCl and its molecular weight is 377.46.

Naltrexone hydrochloride is a white to slightly off-white powder that is soluble in water. Its structural formula is:

Chemical Structure

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Morphin Retard Sulfate

Morphin Retard is a full opioid agonist and is relatively selective for the mu-opioid receptor, although it can bind to other opioid receptors at higher doses. The principal therapeutic action of Morphin Retard is analgesia. Like all full opioid agonists, there is no ceiling effect for analgesia with Morphin Retard. Clinically, dosage is titrated to provide adequate analgesia and may be limited by adverse reactions, including respiratory and CNS depression.

The precise mechanism of the analgesic action is unknown. However, specific CNS opioid receptors for endogenous compounds with opioid-like activity have been identified throughout the brain and spinal cord and are thought to play a role in the analgesic effects of this drug.

Naltrexone Hydrochloride

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that reverses the subjective and analgesic effects of mu-opioid receptor agonists by competitively binding at mu-opioid receptors.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

CNS Depressant/Alcohol Interaction

Additive pharmacodynamic effects may be expected when Morphin Retard is used in conjunction with alcohol, other opioids, or illicit drugs that cause CNS depression.

Effects on the Central Nervous System

Morphin Retard produces respiratory depression by direct action on brainstem respiratory centers. The mechanism of respiratory depression involves a reduction in the responsiveness of the brainstem respiratory centers to both increases in carbon dioxide tension and electrical stimulation.

Morphin Retard causes miosis, even in total darkness. Pinpoint pupils are a sign of opioid overdose but are not pathognomonic. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in overdose situations.

Effects on the Gastrointestinal Tract and Other Smooth Muscle

Morphin Retard causes a reduction in motility associated with an increase in tone in the antrum of the stomach and duodenum. Digestion of food in the small intestine is delayed and propulsive contractions are decreased. Propulsive peristaltic waves in the colon are decreased, while tone is increased to the point of spasm, resulting in constipation. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in biliary and pancreatic secretions, spasm of sphincter of Oddi, and transient elevations in serum amylase.

Effects on the Cardiovascular System

Morphin Retard produces peripheral vasodilation which may result in orthostatic hypotension or syncope. Manifestations of histamine release or peripheral vasodilation may include pruritus, flushing, red eyes, sweating, and/or orthostatic hypotension.

Effects on the Endocrine System

Opioids inhibit the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and luteinizing hormone (LH) in humans . They also stimulate prolactin, growth hormone (GH) secretion, and pancreatic secretion of insulin and glucagon.

Chronic use of opioids may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to androgen deficiency that may manifest as low libido, impotence, erectile dysfunction, amenorrhea, or infertility. The causal role of opioids in the clinical syndrome of hypogonadism is unknown because the various medical, physical, lifestyle, and psychological stressors that may influence gonadal hormone levels have not been adequately controlled for in studies conducted to date .

Effects on the Immune System

Opioids have been shown to have a variety of effects on components of the immune system in in vitro and animal models. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown. Overall, the effects of opioids appear to be modestly immunosuppressive.

Concentration-Efficacy Relationships

The minimum effective analgesic concentration will vary widely among patients, especially among patients who have been previously treated with potent agonist opioids. The minimum effective analgesic concentration of Morphin Retard for any individual patient may increase over time due to an increase in pain, the development of a new pain syndrome, and/or the development of analgesic tolerance .

Concentration-Adverse Reaction Relationships

There is a relationship between increasing Morphin Retard plasma concentration and increasing frequency of dose-related opioid adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, CNS effects, and respiratory depression. In opioid-tolerant patients, the situation may be altered by the development of tolerance to opioid-related adverse reactions .

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Morphin Retard Sulfate

Morphin Retard Capsules contain extended-release pellets of Morphin Retard sulfate that release Morphin Retard slowly compared to an oral Morphin Retard solution. Following the administration of oral Morphin Retard solution, approximately 50% of the Morphin Retard absorbed reaches the systemic circulation within 30 minutes, compared to 8 hours with an equal amount of Morphin Retard. Because of pre-systemic elimination, only about 20 to 40% of the administered dose reaches the systemic circulation.

Morphin Retard is bioequivalent to a similarly formulated Morphin Retard sulfate extended-release capsules product with regard to rate and extent of plasma Morphin Retard absorption. The median time to peak plasma Morphin Retard levels (T_max) was shorter for Morphin Retard (7.5 hrs) compared to the comparator (10 hrs). Dose-related increase in steady-state pre-dose plasma concentrations of Morphin Retard were noted following multiple-dose administration of Morphin Retard in patients.

Naltrexone

Following single dose administration of intact Morphin Retard 60/2.4 – 120/4.8 mg, a limited number (~2%) of blood samples had low plasma naltrexone levels (median = 7.74 pg/mL, range 4–132 pg/mL); naltrexone was not detected in the remaining samples. In patients titrated up to 60/2.4–80/3.2 mg Morphin Retard twice daily, naltrexone levels (4–26 pg/mL) were detected in 13 out of 67 patients at steady-state. In a long-term safety study where an average dose of Morphin Retard was up to 860 mg of Morphin Retard administered twice daily for 12 months, 11% of blood samples at pre-dose timepoints at steady-state had detectable plasma naltrexone concentrations ranging from 4 to 145 pg/mL.

Compared to 2.4 mg naltrexone oral solution, which produced mean (SD) naltrexone plasma levels of 689 (± 429 pg/mL) and mean (SD) 6β-naltrexol plasma levels of 3920 (± 1350 pg/mL), administration of intact 60 mg Morphin Retard produced no naltrexone plasma levels and mean (SD) 6β-naltrexol plasma levels of 16.7 (± 13.5 pg/mL). Trough levels of plasma naltrexone and 6-β-naltrexol did not accumulate upon repeated administration of Morphin Retard.

When Morphin Retard is crushed or chewed, up to 100% of the sequestered naltrexone dose could be released, bioequivalent to an immediate-release oral solution of the same dose.

Food Effect

While concurrent administration of high-fat food decreased the rate and extent of Morphin Retard absorption from Morphin Retard, the total bioavailability was not affected. Co-administration of a high-fat meal with Morphin Retard did not compromise the sequestration of naltrexone.

Distribution

Morphin Retard

Once absorbed, Morphin Retard is distributed to skeletal muscle, kidneys, liver, intestinal tract, lungs, spleen, and brain. The volume of distribution of Morphin Retard is approximately 3 to 4 L/kg. Morphin Retard is 30 to 35% reversibly bound to plasma proteins. Although the primary site of action of Morphin Retard is in the CNS, only small quantities pass the blood-brain barrier. Morphin Retard also crosses the placental membranes and has been found in breast milk .

Elimination

Metabolism

Morphin Retard:

Major pathways of Morphin Retard metabolism include glucuronidation in the liver to produce metabolites including morphine-3-glucuronide, M3G (about 50%) and morphine-6-glucuronide, M6G (about 5 to 15%) and sulfation in the liver to produce morphine-3-etheral sulfate. A small fraction (less than 5%) of Morphin Retard is demethylated. M3G has no significant contribution to the analgesic activity. Although M6G does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, it has been shown to have opioid agonist and analgesic activity in humans.

Naltrexone:

Naltrexone is extensively metabolized into 6-β-naltrexol.

Excretion

Morphin Retard:

Approximately 10% of a Morphin Retard dose is excreted unchanged in the urine. Elimination of Morphin Retard is primarily via hepatic metabolism to glucuronide metabolites M3G and M6G which are then renally excreted. A small amount of the glucuronide metabolites is excreted in the bile and there is some minor enterohepatic cycling.

The mean adult plasma clearance of Morphin Retard is about 20 to 30 mL/minute/kg. The effective half-life of Morphin Retard after IV administration is reported to be approximately 2 hours. The terminal elimination half-life of Morphin Retard following single dose Morphin Retard administration is approximately 29 hours.

Specific Populations

Age: Geriatric Population

The pharmacokinetics of Morphin Retard have not been investigated in elderly patients (>65 years) although such patients were included in clinical studies. In a long-term open label safety study, the pre-dose plasma Morphin Retard concentrations after dose normalization were similar for subjects <65 years and those ≥65 years of age.

Sex

No meaningful differences were noted between male and female patients in the analysis of pharmacokinetic data of Morphin Retard from clinical studies.

Race/Ethnicity

Chinese subjects given IV Morphin Retard in one study had a higher clearance when compared to Caucasian subjects (1852 ± 116 mL/min vs. 1495 ± 80 mL/min).

Hepatic Impairment

Morphin Retard pharmacokinetics are altered in patient with alcoholic cirrhosis. Clearance was found to decrease with a corresponding increase in half-life. M3G and M6G to Morphin Retard plasma AUC ratios also decreased in these patients, indicating a decrease in metabolic activity. Adequate studies of the pharmacokinetics of Morphin Retard in patients with severe hepatic impairment have not been conducted.

Renal Impairment

Morphin Retard pharmacokinetics are altered in patients with renal failure. The AUC is increased and clearance is decreased and the metabolites, M3G and M6G, may accumulate several-fold in patients with renal failure compared to healthy subjects. Adequate studies of the pharmacokinetics of Morphin Retard in patients with severe renal impairment have not been conducted.

Drug Interaction Studies

Alcohol

A pharmacokinetic drug interaction is noted with concomitant administration of 40% alcohol and Morphin Retard, where an average 2-fold (range 1.4- to 5-fold increase) higher C_max of Morphin Retard was noted compared to Morphin Retard consumed with water.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

Long-term studies in animals to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of Morphin Retard have not been conducted.

Mutagenesis

No formal studies to assess the mutagenic potential of Morphin Retard have been conducted. In the published literature, Morphin Retard was found to be mutagenic in vitro increasing DNA fragmentation in human T-cells. Morphin Retard was reported to be mutagenic in the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay and positive for the induction of chromosomal aberrations in mouse spermatids and murine lymphocytes. Mechanistic studies suggest that the in vivo clastogenic effects reported with Morphin Retard in mice may be related to increases in glucocorticoid levels produced by Morphin Retard in this species. In contrast to the above positive findings, in vitro studies in the literature have also shown that Morphin Retard did not induce chromosomal aberrations in human leukocytes or translocations or lethal mutations in Drosophila.

Impairment of Fertility

No formal nonclinical studies to assess the potential of Morphin Retard to impair fertility have been conducted. Several nonclinical studies from the literature have demonstrated adverse effects on male fertility in the rat from exposure to Morphin Retard.

One study in which male rats were administered Morphin Retard sulfate subcutaneously prior to mating (up to 30 mg/kg twice daily) and during mating (20 mg/kg twice daily) with untreated females, a number of adverse reproductive effects including reduction in total pregnancies and higher incidence of pseudopregnancies at 20 mg/kg/day (3.2 times the HDD) were reported.

Studies from the literature have also reported changes in hormonal levels in male rats (i.e. testosterone, luteinizing hormone) following treatment with Morphin Retard at 10 mg/kg/day or greater (1.6 times the HDD).

Female rats that were administered Morphin Retard sulfate intraperitoneally prior to mating exhibited prolonged estrous cycles at 10 mg/kg/day (1.6 times the HDD).

Exposure of adolescent male rats to Morphin Retard has been associated with delayed sexual maturation and following mating to untreated females, smaller litters, increased pup mortality, and/or changes in reproductive endocrine status in adult male offspring have been reported (estimated 5 times the plasma levels at the HDD).

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

The analgesic efficacy of Morphin Retard has been evaluated in one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in osteoarthritis patients with moderate to severe pain (Study ALO-KNT-301). This study, with a randomized withdrawal design, was conducted in subjects with moderate to severe pain from osteoarthritis of the hip or knee over a 12-week treatment period. Subjects started open-label treatment with Morphin Retard and titrated to effect. Once their pain was controlled (Brief Pain Inventory [BPI] Average 24-hour Pain Intensity ≤4 AND at least a 2-point drop from screening baseline), they were randomized to either active treatment with Morphin Retard or were tapered off Morphin Retard using a double-dummy design and placed on placebo. Of these, 75.1% of the randomized subjects were opioid-naïve and distributed evenly between the 2 groups.

The mean change in the weekly diary BPI average pain score from randomization baseline (Visit Y) to the end of study (Visit Y + 12 Weeks/Early Termination) was statistically significantly superior for those treated with Morphin Retard compared to the placebo group.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

	Morphin Retard 20 mg/0.8 mg	Morphin Retard 30 mg/1.2 mg	Morphin Retard 50 mg/2 mg	Morphin Retard 60 mg/2.4 mg	Morphin Retard 80 mg/3.2 mg	Morphin Retard 100 mg/4 mg
Morphin Retard sulfate	20 mg	30 mg	50 mg	60 mg	80 mg	100 mg
Sequestered naltrexone hydrochloride	0.8 mg	1.2 mg	2 mg	2.4 mg	3.2 mg	4 mg
Extended-Release Capsule Description For all strengths, the darker-toned cap has "EMBEDA" printed in grey ink and a single grey band around ¾ of the circumference.	Two-toned, yellow opaque hard gelatin capsule. The lighter-toned body has "20" reverse-printed in a grey circle.	Two-toned, blue-violet opaque hard gelatin capsule. The lighter-toned body has "30" reverse-printed in a grey circle.	Two-toned, blue opaque hard gelatin capsule. The lighter-toned body has "50" reverse-printed in a grey circle.	Two-toned, pink opaque hard gelatin capsule. The lighter-toned body has "60" reverse-printed in a grey circle.	Two-toned, light peach opaque elongated hard gelatin capsule. The lighter-toned body has "80" reverse-printed in a grey circle.	Two-toned, green opaque hard gelatin capsule. The lighter-toned body has "100" reverse-printed in a grey circle.
Bottle Size	75 cc	75 cc	75 cc	75 cc	75 cc	75 cc
Bottle Count	30 capsules	30 capsules	30 capsules	30 capsules	30 capsules	30 capsules
NDC #	60793-430-20	60793-431-20	60793-433-20	60793-434-20	60793-435-20	60793-437-20

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (59° and 86°F).

Dispense in a sealed, tamper-evident, childproof, light-resistant container.

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide and Instructions for Use)

Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

Inform patients that the use of Morphin Retard, even when taken as recommended, can result in addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death . Instruct patients not to share Morphin Retard with others and to take steps to protect Morphin Retard from theft or misuse.

Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

Inform patients of the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression, including information that the risk is greatest when starting Morphin Retard or when the dosage is increased, and that it can occur even at recommended doses . Advise patients how to recognize respiratory depression and to seek medical attention if breathing difficulties develop.

Accidental Ingestion

Inform patients that accidental ingestion, especially by children, may result in respiratory depression or death . Instruct patients to take steps to store Morphin Retard securely and to dispose of unused Morphin Retard by flushing the capsules down the toilet.

Interactions with Alcohol

Instruct patients not to consume alcoholic beverages, or prescription and non-prescription products that contain alcohol, during treatment with Morphin Retard. The co-ingestion of alcohol with Morphin Retard may result in increased plasma levels and a potentially fatal overdose of Morphin Retard.

Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants

Inform patients and caregivers that potentially fatal additive effects may occur if Morphin Retard is used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, and not to use these concomitantly unless supervised by a healthcare provider .

Serotonin Syndrome

Inform patients that opioids could cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition resulting from concomitant administration of serotonergic drugs. Warn patients of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome and to seek medical attention right away if symptoms develop. Instruct patients to inform their physicians if they are taking, or plan to take serotonergic medications .

MAOI Interaction

Inform patients not to take Morphin Retard while using any drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. Patients should not start MAOIs while taking Morphin Retard .

Adrenal Insufficiency

Inform patients that opioids could cause adrenal insufficiency, a potentially life-threatening condition. Adrenal insufficiency may present with non-specific symptoms and signs such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Advise patients to seek medical attention if they experience a constellation of these symptoms .

Important Administration Instructions

Instruct patients how to properly take Morphin Retard, including the following:

• Swallow Morphin Retard capsules whole or sprinkle the capsule contents on applesauce and then swallow immediately without chewing .
• Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the pellets contained in the capsules due to a risk of fatal Morphin Retard overdose or naltrexone precipitated withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent individuals .
• Use Morphin Retard exactly as prescribed to reduce the risk of life-threatening adverse reactions (e.g., respiratory depression) .
• Do not discontinue Morphin Retard without first discussing the need for a tapering regimen with the prescriber .

Hypotension

Inform patients that Morphin Retard may cause orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Instruct patients how to recognize symptoms of low blood pressure and how to reduce the risk of serious consequences should hypotension occur (e.g., sit or lie down, carefully rise from a sitting or lying position) .

Anaphylaxis

Inform patients that anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in Morphin Retard. Advise patients how to recognize such a reaction and when to seek medical attention .

Pregnancy

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Inform female patients of reproductive potential that prolonged use of Morphin Retard during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated .

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Inform female patients of reproductive potential that Morphin Retard can cause fetal harm and to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy .

Lactation

Advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Morphin Retard .

Infertility

Inform patients that chronic use of opioids may cause reduced fertility. It is not known whether these effects on fertility are reversible .

Driving or Operating Heavy Machinery

Inform patients that Morphin Retard may impair the ability to perform potentially hazardous activities such as driving a car or operating heavy machinery. Advise patients not to perform such tasks until they know how they will react to the medication .

Constipation

Advise patients of the potential for severe constipation, including management instructions and when to seek medical attention .

Disposal of Unused Morphin Retard

Advise patients to flush the unused capsules down the toilet when Morphin Retard is no longer needed.

This product's label may have been updated. For current full prescribing information please visit www.pfizer.com.

LAB-0599-6.0

Logo

This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration December 2016; LAB-0643-2.0
Medication Guide Morphin Retard® (im-bed-a) (morphine sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride) extended-release capsules, CII
Morphin Retard is: A strong prescription pain medicine that contains an opioid (narcotic) that is used to manage pain severe enough to require daily around-the-clock, long-term treatment with an opioid, when other pain treatments such as non-opioid pain medicines or immediate-release opioid medicines do not treat your pain well enough or you cannot tolerate them. A long-acting (extended-release) opioid pain medicine that can put you at risk for overdose and death. Even if you take your dose correctly as prescribed you are at risk for opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse that can lead to death. Not for use to treat pain that is not around-the-clock.
Important information about Morphin Retard: Get emergency help right away if you take too much Morphin Retard (overdose). When you first start taking Morphin Retard, when your dose is changed, or if you take too much (overdose), serious or life-threatening breathing problems that can lead to death may occur. Taking Morphin Retard with other opioid medicines, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants (including street drugs) can cause severe drowsiness, decreased awareness, breathing problems, coma, and death. Never give anyone your Morphin Retard. They could die from taking it. Store Morphin Retard away from children and in a safe place to prevent stealing or abuse. Selling or giving away Morphin Retard is against the law.
Do not take Morphin Retard if you have: severe asthma, trouble breathing, or other lung problems. a bowel blockage or have narrowing of the stomach or intestines.
Before taking Morphin Retard, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of:
head injury, seizures problems urinating	liver, kidney, thyroid problems pancreas or gallbladder problems
abuse of street or prescription drugs, alcohol addiction, or mental health problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you are: pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Prolonged use of Morphin Retard during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in your newborn baby that could be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. breastfeeding. Not recommended during treatment with Morphin Retard. It may harm your baby. taking prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. Taking Morphin Retard with certain other medicines can cause serious side effects and could lead to death.
When taking Morphin Retard: Do not change your dose. Take Morphin Retard exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Use the lowest dose possible for the shortest time needed. Take your prescribed dose every 12 or 24 hours, at the same time every day, as instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not take more than your prescribed daily dose within a 24-hour period. If you miss a dose, take your next dose at your usual time. Swallow Morphin Retard whole. Do not cut, break, chew, crush, dissolve, snort, or inject Morphin Retard because this may cause you to overdose and die. You should not receive Morphin Retard through a nasogastric tube or gastric tube (stomach tube). If you cannot swallow Morphin Retard capsules, see the detailed Instructions for Use. Call your healthcare provider if the dose you are taking does not control your pain. Do not stop taking Morphin Retard without talking to your healthcare provider. After you stop taking Morphin Retard, flush any unused capsules down the toilet.
While taking Morphin Retard DO NOT: Drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Morphin Retard affects you. Morphin Retard can make you sleepy, dizzy, or lightheaded. Drink alcohol, or use prescription or over-the-counter medicines containing alcohol. Using products containing alcohol during treatment with Morphin Retard may cause you to overdose and die.
The possible side effects of Morphin Retard are: constipation, nausea, sleepiness, vomiting, tiredness, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms and they are severe. Get emergency medical help if you have: trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, chest pain, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, extreme drowsiness, light-headedness when changing positions, feeling faint, agitation, high body temperature, trouble walking, stiff muscles, or mental changes such as confusion. These are not all the possible side effects of Morphin Retard. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. For more information go to dailymed.nlm.nih.gov Manufactured for: Pfizer Inc, New York, NY 10017 by: Actavis Elizabeth LLC, 200 Elmora Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, www.embeda.com or call 1-800-438-1985

Instructions For Use

Morphin Retard^® (im-bed-a)

(morphine sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride) extended-release Capsules, CII

• If you cannot swallow Morphin Retard^® capsules, tell your healthcare provider. There may be another way to take Morphin Retard^® that may be right for you. If your healthcare provider tells you that you can take Morphin Retard^® using this other way, follow these steps:
  • Morphin Retard^® can be opened and the pellets inside the capsule can be sprinkled over applesauce, as follows:

  		Open the Morphin Retard® capsule and sprinkle the pellets over approximately one tablespoon of applesauce.
  	Figure 1
  		Swallow all of the applesauce and pellets right away. Do not save any of the applesauce and pellets for another dose.
  	Figure 2
  		Rinse your mouth to make sure you have swallowed all of the pellets. Do not chew the pellets .
  	Figure 3
  		Flush the empty capsule down the toilet right away .
  	Figure 4

• You should not receive Morphin Retard^® through a nasogastric tube or gastric tube (stomach tube).

This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Manufactured for: Pfizer Inc, New York, NY 10017

by: Actavis Elizabeth LLC, 200 Elmora Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07207

LAB-0631-2.0

April 2014

Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4

ALWAYS DISPENSE WITH MEDICATION GUIDE

NDC 60793-430-20

Pfizer

Morphin Retard ^®

(morphine sulfate and

naltrexone hydrochloride)

Extended Release Capsules

CII

20 mg/0.8 mg

THE PELLETS SHOULD NOT BE CHEWED, CRUSHED, OR DISSOLVED.

30 Capsules

Rx only

ALWAYS DISPENSE WITH MEDICATION GUIDE

NDC 60793-431-20

Pfizer

Morphin Retard ^®

(morphine sulfate and

naltrexone hydrochloride)

Extended Release Capsules

CII

30 mg/1.2 mg

THE PELLETS SHOULD NOT BE CHEWED, CRUSHED, OR DISSOLVED.

30 Capsules

Rx only

ALWAYS DISPENSE WITH MEDICATION GUIDE

NDC 60793-433-20

Pfizer

Morphin Retard ^®

(morphine sulfate and

naltrexone hydrochloride)

Extended Release Capsules

CII

50 mg/2 mg

THE PELLETS SHOULD NOT BE CHEWED, CRUSHED, OR DISSOLVED.

30 Capsules

Rx only

ALWAYS DISPENSE WITH MEDICATION GUIDE

NDC 60793-434-20

Pfizer

Morphin Retard ^®

(morphine sulfate and

naltrexone hydrochloride)

Extended Release Capsules

CII

60 mg/2.4 mg

THE PELLETS SHOULD NOT BE CHEWED, CRUSHED, OR DISSOLVED.

30 Capsules

Rx only

ALWAYS DISPENSE WITH MEDICATION GUIDE

NDC 60793-435-20

Pfizer

Morphin Retard ^®

(morphine sulfate and

naltrexone hydrochloride)

Extended Release Capsules

CII

80 mg/3.2 mg

THE PELLETS SHOULD NOT BE CHEWED, CRUSHED, OR DISSOLVED.

30 Capsules

Rx only

ALWAYS DISPENSE WITH MEDICATION GUIDE

NDC 60793-437-20

Pfizer

Morphin Retard ^®

(morphine sulfate and

naltrexone hydrochloride)

Extended Release Capsules

CII

100 mg/4 mg

THE PELLETS SHOULD NOT BE CHEWED, CRUSHED, OR DISSOLVED.

For use in opioid-tolerant patients only

30 Capsules

Rx only

Morphin Retard pharmaceutical active ingredients containing related brand and generic drugs:

• Morphine Sulfate

Morphin Retard available forms, composition, doses:

• Tablets, Retard; Oral; Morphine Sulfate 10 mg
• Tablets, Retard; Oral; Morphine Sulfate 100 mg
• Tablets, Retard; Oral; Morphine Sulfate 30 mg
• Tablets, Retard; Oral; Morphine Sulfate 60 mg

Morphin Retard destination | category:

• Human:
• Analgesics (opioid)
• Cough and cold preparations
• Supportive care therapy

Morphin Retard Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical codes:

• N02AA01 - Morphine

Morphin Retard pharmaceutical companies:

• Merck
• Ratiopharm

References

1. Dailymed."MORPHINE SULFATE EXTENDED RELEASE (MORPHINE SULFATE) TABLET [LAKE ERIE MEDICAL DBA QUALITY CARE PRODUCTS LLC]". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).
2. Dailymed."MORPHINE SULFATE: DailyMed provides trustworthy information about marketed drugs in the United States. DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts).". https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailym... (accessed August 28, 2018).
3. "morphine". https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/co... (accessed August 28, 2018).

Frequently asked Questions

Can i drive or operate heavy machine after consuming Morphin Retard?

Depending on the reaction of the Morphin Retard after taken, if you are feeling dizziness, drowsiness or any weakness as a reaction on your body, Then consider Morphin Retard not safe to drive or operate heavy machine after consumption. Meaning that, do not drive or operate heavy duty machines after taking the capsule if the capsule has a strange reaction on your body like dizziness, drowsiness. As prescribed by a pharmacist, it is dangerous to take alcohol while taking medicines as it exposed patients to drowsiness and health risk. Please take note of such effect most especially when taking Primosa capsule. It's advisable to consult your doctor on time for a proper recommendation and medical consultations.

Is Morphin Retard addictive or habit forming?

Medicines are not designed with the mind of creating an addiction or abuse on the health of the users. Addictive Medicine is categorically called Controlled substances by the government. For instance, Schedule H or X in India and schedule II-V in the US are controlled substances.

Please consult the medicine instruction manual on how to use and ensure it is not a controlled substance.In conclusion, self medication is a killer to your health. Consult your doctor for a proper prescription, recommendation, and guidiance.

Review

sdrugs.com conducted a study on Morphin Retard, and the result of the survey is set out below. It is noteworthy that the product of the survey is based on the perception and impressions of the visitors of the website as well as the views of Morphin Retard consumers. We, as a result of this, advice that you do not base your therapeutic or medical decisions on this result, but rather consult your certified medical experts for their recommendations.

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The information was verified by Dr. Rachana Salvi, MD Pharmacology