Fibromyalgia Support Group

I have never been thrilled with the Opana ER that my pain doctor put me on. But, my pain med combination (Percocet-or oxycodone-10/325 4/day and Opana-or oxymorphone-30/day) just wasn't working. I have told my dr. That upping my Percs (oxycodone) to 5/day should be all I need, but he keeps insisting that this be my break through med with the Opana ER my primay...I have tried to adapt to the Opana ER...it just doesn't give me any relief...and he would get frustrated telling me that it is the same as the Perca, except without the acetominiphine (which doesn't make sense since one is oxycodone and one is oxymorphone, but what do I know...I am not medically trained. Well, he doubled my Opana to 60 mg/day split into two times. I just started the new regimen Thursday. I have to tell you that my pain seems worse and today, I broke out in hives and it seems like my breathing is more labored. I am thinking that my body doesn't like oxymorphone since I had a similar reaction when put on Kadian. I plan to call the doc tomorrow, but I wanted to check to see if anyone has had problems with oxymorphone or an allergic reaction to pain meds? Have you ever taken opioids and found that you seem to be in more pain than before?

For as much as he has not considered another mix, I think he gets a kick-back from the manufacturer . Only joking, but I am really very uncomfortable and in pain in the lower part of my back, plus with hives all over that comes and goes. Any feedback or thoughts?

Post edited by: Kvasconez, at: 09/19/2011 04:36 PM

Kim-

You might call your local pharmacy (most of the chains have a 1-800) and ask if this is a reaction you should be concerned about immediately. What if the rash is telling of something more toxic going on in your body?

I went to drugs.com and they seem to consider a rash/hives a severe reaction.

"Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Opana:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; mental or mood changes; seizure; severe or persistent dizziness or drowsiness; severe or persistent headache or vomiting; shallow, slowed, or difficult breathing; trouble urinating; unusual swelling; vision changes."

Just my thought.

Julie

Post edited by: lilachynstiff, at: 09/19/2011 04:45 PM

Thanks, Julie...our CVS is 24 hours. I will check with the pharmacist.

Kim,

My pm dr had also put me on Opana ER. It did not do anything for me as far as pain. I was on 10mg 2x a day. I was not rescripted for my percocets. Don't know if you recall, but I had a slight kidney stone scare, and knew that the opana would def not help that pain. So, I cut it out for 12 hours, then started back on some leftover percs. When I went to see him a couple days later, I told him I had quit the opana. He seemed annoyed and asked me why. I explained it to him, and he got more annoyed and asked me why I didn't take the percs with the opana, and why i didn't just double up on the opana? I'm sorry, I don't just decide to double up on my meds and add more narcotics to it. From what I read, that was a no no. Kim, honestly Opana is a very dangerous drug. I have a niece that is working with a foundation for teen drug abusers, and this year alone 19 kids in my local area have died from opana overdose. I of course don't know how many they were taking or the circumstances, but it scares me..If it isn't even helping, I would def tell the dr to get you something different. I myself wonder if they don't get a kickback, because both yours and mine are hell bent on making us take it. (I had to get off because of the loss of insurance) I'm not trying to scare you, but if it doesn't work anyway, get off of it. HUGS

Just to verify, I was not insinuating that anyone would die from using this medicine appropriately. I know these teens were using them to get high, not for pain, and abusing them. They were purchased on the street, not given by a dr. Don't want anyone to take what I said as a scare.

It sounds like an allergic reaction to me. Dont take anymore and call your pharmacy. This just may be too much medicine for your system to handle. Oxymorphone is the same as dilaudid isnt it? From my understanding,the Percs and the Opana are very similar,the Opana is a bit stronger though then the Percs. Im going off of what I remember from my Moms cancer,she was on a lot of heavy pain meds. Im thinking its just too much opiates in your system. I would call your pharmacy,or nurse hotline. Better to be safe then sorry.

Thanks, Becky and Laura...Becky, I went to work today and was scared all morning because of how I felt. Yes...no more. I felt similar on Kadian, so I think anything in the morphine area is probably not working for me.

I will let everyone know what happens.

Thanks, everyone!

You need to get medical help for that allergic reaction.

And do not wait so long - this sort of thing can kill you - it is serious.

hugs

Kvasconez I looked op Opana Er on RXlist.com it's an md site that lists meds and all kinds of information about then like side effects allergic reactions and this is what it said about Opana ER: 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. Honey please please please go to the ER or after hours clinic or something and get some help/ keep us posted and I will be keeping you in my prayers that evrythign turns out alright. Big hugs lots love and prayers.

Kvasconez,

Sounds like you've been given some good advice. The only opiate I've ever tried is Lortabs and I went off them this month bc they just didn't seem to be working. My pm doc seems hesitant to change me to stronger pain meds and really I don't know what else to ask for. I take Ultrams and they do help but still have significant pain. I would be interested in what new med that your pm doc puts you on, so let us know.

In the meantime, like everybody said, get off the Opana, that's just too scary!

heather