Woman Reading Book

AVINZA® References

1 Avinza [package insert]. Bristol, TN: King Pharmaceuticals, Inc; 2008.
2 Rauck RL, Bookbinder SA, Bunker TR, et al. The ACTION study: a randomized, open-label, multicenter trial comparing once-a-day extended-release morphine sulfate capsules (AVINZA®) to twice-a-day controlled-release oxycodone hydrochloride tablets (OxyContin®) for the treatment of chronic, moderate to severe low back pain. J Opioid Manag. 2006;2(3):155–166.
3 Caldwell JR, Rapoport RJ, Davis JC, et al; for the Avinza™ TRG004–04 Study Group. Efficacy and safety of a once-daily morphine formulation in chronic, moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis pain: results from a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial and an open-label extension trial. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2002;23(4):278–291.
4 Adams EH, Chwiecko P, Ace-Wagoner Y, et al. A study of AVINZA® (morphine sulfate extended-release capsules) for chronic moderate-to-severe noncancer pain conducted under real-world treatment conditions—the ACCPT Study. Pain Pract. 2006;6(4):254–264.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

AVINZA® (morphine sulfate extended-release capsules) is a prescription drug that contains morphine. Each AVINZA® Capsule contains enough morphine to last for 24 hours and should be taken once a day. AVINZA® is for adults 18 years or older with moderate to severe pain who need around-the-clock, nonstop treatment for an extended period of time.

  • AVINZA® Capsules are to be swallowed whole. DO NOT chew, crush, or dissolve the beads in capsules before swallowing. If the beads are chewed, crushed, or dissolved, the entire 24-hour dose may be absorbed into your body all at once. This can lead to serious problems, including overdose and death
  • If you have trouble swallowing the capsules, you may open them and sprinkle all of the beads on a small amount of applesauce just before swallowing. Make sure to swallow all of the beads whole
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages while using AVINZA®, or use prescription or nonprescription medications that contain alcohol. Consuming alcohol while taking AVINZA® may cause the rapid release and absorption of a potentially deadly dose of morphine
  • Because AVINZA® may make you sleepy, you should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or perform any other possibly dangerous activities until you know how you react to AVINZA®
  • AVINZA® should not be given to anyone other than the person for whom it was prescribed

Tell your healthcare professional about the following:

  • Any and all other health or medical problems you may have
  • All medicines (prescription and nonprescription) and vitamins you are taking. Do not take other medicines without your healthcare professional’s approval
  • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
  • If you are breastfeeding, because morphine will pass through the milk and may harm the baby
  • If you have abused drugs in the past. There is a risk of abuse or addiction with all opioid medications. You may have a higher chance of developing an abuse problem or addiction again while using AVINZA®

AVINZA® is not for everyone. Only you and your healthcare professional can know if AVINZA® is right for you.
Make sure to follow your healthcare professional’s directions exactly.

  • Do not change your dose unless your healthcare professional tells you to change it
  • Do not take AVINZA® more often than prescribed. You should not stop taking AVINZA® all at once if you have been taking it for more than a few days. Your healthcare professional can instruct you on how to stop taking this medicine slowly to avoid uncomfortable symptoms

Constipation is a common side effect of medicines that contain morphine, including AVINZA®. When you start taking AVINZA®, discuss steps to prevent or relieve constipation with your healthcare professional. Other common side effects of AVINZA® are nausea, drowsiness, headache, and itching. Some of these side effects may decrease with continued use.

Keep AVINZA® in a secure place and out of the reach of children. Protect from theft. When AVINZA® is no longer needed, the unused capsules should be destroyed by flushing them down the toilet.

Please see full Prescribing Information.