What is levorphanol?
Levorphanol is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers. It is similar to morphine.
Levorphanol is used to treat moderate to severe pain.
Levorphanol may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking levorphanol?
Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a narcotic medicine
(examples include codeine, methadone, morphine, Oxycontin, Darvocet, Percocet, Vicodin, Lortab,
and many others). You should also not take levorphanol if you are having an asthma attack or if you
have a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus.
Levorphanol may be habit-forming and
should be used only by the person it
was prescribed for
. Levorphanol should never be given to another person, especially
someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where
others cannot get to it.
Before using levorphanol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
-
asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
-
liver or kidney disease;
-
underactive thyroid;
-
curvature of the spine;
-
a history of head injury or brain tumor;
-
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
-
low blood pressure;
-
gallbladder disease;
-
Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorders;
-
enlarged prostate, urination problems;
-
mental illness; or
-
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an
unborn baby, and could cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Levorphanol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.
How should I take levorphanol?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you.
Never take levorphanol
in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Follow the
directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in
relieving your pain.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Take levorphanol with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
Do not stop using levorphanol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal
symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the
medication.
Store levorphanol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep track of how many tablets have been used from each new bottle of this medicine.
Levorphanol is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this
medicine improperly or without a prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose of levorphanol?
Since levorphanol is sometimes used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you
are using the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time
for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose.
Do
not
use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about levorphanol?
Your pharmacist has information about levorphanol written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of levorphanol?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
-
seizure (convulsions);
-
cold, clammy skin;
-
confusion;
-
severe weakness or dizziness; or
-
feeling light-headed, fainting.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
-
nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite;
-
dizziness, headache, tired feeling;
-
dry mouth;
-
sweating;
-
itching;
-
urinating less than usual; or
-
loss of interest in sex.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about levorphanol?
Levorphanol may be habit-forming and
should be used only by the person it
was prescribed for
. Levorphanol should never be given to another person, especially
someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where
others cannot get to it.
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking levorphanol. Dangerous side effects or death can
occur when alcohol is combined with a narcotic pain medicine. Check your food and medicine labels
to be sure these products do not contain alcohol.
Never take more levorphanol than is prescribed. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop
working as well in relieving your pain.
Levorphanol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Do not stop using levorphanol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal
symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the
medication.
What should I avoid while taking levorphanol?
Do not drink alcohol while you are using levorphanol. Dangerous side effects or death can
occur when alcohol is combined with levorphanol. Check your food and medicine labels to be sure
these products do not contain alcohol.
Levorphanol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What other drugs will affect levorphanol?
Do not take levorphanol with other narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers,
muscle relaxers, or other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing. Dangerous side
effects may result.
Before taking levorphanol, tell your doctor if you are using pentazocine (Talwin), nalbuphine
(Nubain), butorphanol (Stadol), or buprenorphine (Buprenex, Subutex). If you are using any of these
drugs, you may not be able to use levorphanol, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests
during treatment.
There may be other drugs that can interact with levorphanol. Tell your doctor about all the
prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal
products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling
your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of levorphanol?