Morphine Sulfate

Morphine Sulfate is an FDA-registered drug product whose active ingredient is MORPHINE SULFATE. It is labelled by Padagis US LLC taken by rectal and marketed as a human prescription drug product. Identifiers on file: NDC 0574-7110, label effective 20230701. It is one of 3 FDA drug label records sharing the active ingredient MORPHINE SULFATE. This page reproduces the FDA-approved label text so you can check what a product is, who makes it and how it is supplied before discussing it with a pharmacist or prescriber.

Across FDA labelling, products containing MORPHINE SULFATE are most often described in connection with: morphine sulfate, adequate analgesia, management acute, chronic pain, severe enough, opioid analgesic, alternative treatments, inadequate limitations. Wording differs between labels, and the full indications section on this page takes precedence when it is present.

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Morphine sulfate suppositories are indicated for the management of acute and chronic pain severe enough to require and opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] , reserve morphine sulfate suppositories for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products]: • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated, • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia Morphine sulfate suppositories is an opioid agonist indicated for the management of acute and chronic pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. (1) Limitations of Use (1) Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, reserve morphine sulfate suppositories for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options (e.g., non-opioid analgesics or opioid combination products): • Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated, • Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • 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) • Discuss availability of naloxone with the patient and caregiver and assess each patient’s need for access to naloxone, both when initiating and renewing treatment with morphine sulfate suppositories. Consider prescribing naloxone based on the patient’s risk factors for overdose. (2.2, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4) • Usual adult dosage of morphine sulfate suppositories is 10 to 20 mg every 4 hours as needed. (2.3) • Do not stop morphine sulfate suppositories abruptly in a physically-dependent patient because rapid discontinuation of opioid analgesics has resulted in serious withdrawal symptoms, uncontrolled pain, and suicide. (2.5) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Morphine sulfate suppositories are available in four strengths: 5 mg per suppository, 10 mg per suppository, 20 mg per suppository, and 30 mg per suppository. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see Warnings and Precautions (5)]. 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 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] . Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24-72 hours of initiating therapy and following dosage increases with morphine sulfate suppositories and adjust the dosage accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] . 2.2 Patient Access to Naloxone for the Emergency Treatment of Opioid Overdose Discuss the availability of naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose with the patient and caregiver and assess the potential need for access to naloxone, both when initiating and renewing treatment with morphine sulfate suppositories [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Patient Counseling Information (17)] . Inform patients and caregivers about the various ways to obtain naloxone as permitted by individual state naloxone dispensing and prescribing requirements or guidelines (e.g., by prescription, directly from a pharmacist, or as part of a community-based program). Consider prescribing naloxone, based on the patient’s risk factors for overdose, such as concomitant use of CNS depressants, a history of opioid use disorder, or prior opioid overdose. The presence of risk factors for overdose should not prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.4, 5.6)] . Consider prescribing naloxone if the patient has household members (including children) or other close contacts at risk for accidental ingestion or overdose. 2.3 Initial Dosage Initiating Treatment with Morphine Sulfate Suppositories Initiate treatment with morphine sulfate suppositories in a dosing range of 10 mg to 20 mg, rectally, every 4 hours. Conversion from Other Opioids to Morphine Sulfate Suppositories There is inter-patient variability in the potency of opioid drugs and opioid formulations. Therefore, a conservative approach is advised with determining the total daily dosage of morphine sulfate suppositories. It is safer to underestimate a patient’s 24-hour morphine sulfate dosage than to overestimate the 24-hour dosage and manage an adverse reaction due to overdose. Conversion from Morphine Sulfate Suppositories to Extended-Release Morphine The relative bioavailability of morphine sulfate suppositories compared to extended-release morphine is unknown, so conversion to extended-release drug product must be accompanied by close observation for signs of excessive sedation and respiratory depression. 2.4 Titration and Maintenance of Therapy Individually titrate morphine sulfate suppositories to a dose that provides adequate analgesia and minimizes adverse reactions. Continually reevaluate patients receiving morphine sulfate suppositories 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 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] . 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. If the level of pain increases after dosage stabilization, attempt to identify the source of increased pain before increasing the morphine sulfate suppositories dosage. 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. 2.5 Safe Reduction or Discontinuation of Morphine Sulfate Suppositories Do not abruptly discontinue morphine sulfate suppositories in patients who may be physically dependent on opioids. Rapid discontinuation of opioid analgesics in patients who are physically dependent on opioids has resulted in serious withdrawal symptoms, uncontrolled pain, and suicide. Rapid discontinuation has also been associated with attempts to find other sources of opioid analgesics, which may be confused with drug-seeking for abuse. Patients may also attempt to treat their pain or withdrawal symptoms with illicit opioids, such as heroin, and other substances. When a decision has been made to decrease the dose or discontinue therapy in an opioid dependent patient taking morphine sulfate suppositories, there are a variety of factors that should be considered, including the dose of morphine sulfate suppositories the patient has been taking, the duration of treatment, the type of pain being treated, and the physical and psychological attributes of the patient. It is important to ensure ongoing care of the patient and to agree on an appropriate tapering schedule and follow-up plan so that patient and provider goals and expectations are clear and realistic. When opioid analgesics are being discontinued due to a suspected substance use disorder, evaluate and treat the patient, or refer for evaluation and treatment of the substance use disorder. Treatment should include evidence-based approaches, such as medication assisted treatment of opioid use disorder. Complex patients with co-morbid pain and substance use disorders may benefit from referral to a specialist. There are no standard opioid tapering schedules that are suitable for all patients. Good clinical practice dictates a patient-specific plan to taper the dose of the opioid gradually. For patients on morphine sulfate suppositories who are physically opioid-dependent, initiate the taper by a small enough increment (e.g., no greater than 10% to 25% of the total daily dose) to avoid withdrawal symptoms, and proceed with dose-lowering at an interval of every 2 to 4 weeks. Patients who have been taking opioids for briefer periods of time may tolerate a more rapid taper. It may be necessary to provide the patient with lower dosage strengths to accomplish a successful taper. Reassess the patient frequently to manage pain and withdrawal symptoms, should they emerge. Common withdrawal symptoms include 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. If withdrawal symptoms arise, it may be necessary to pause the taper for a period of time or raise the dose of the opioid analgesic to the previous dose, and then proceed with a slower taper. In addition, monitor patients for any changes in mood, emergence of suicidal thoughts, or use of other substances. When managing patients taking opioid analgesics, particularly those who have been treated for a long duration and/or with high doses for chronic pain, ensure that a multimodal approach to pain management, including mental health support (if needed), is in place prior to initiating an opioid analgesic taper. A multimodal approach to pain management may optimize the treatment of chronic pain, as well as assist with the successful tapering of the opioid analgesic [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12), Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)] .

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Morphine sulfate suppositories are contraindicated in patients with: • Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] • Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] • Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use of MAOIs within the last 14 days [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Drug Interactions (7)] • Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)] • Hypersensitivity to morphine (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see Adverse Reactions (6)] • Significant respiratory depression. (4) • Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment. (4) • Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use of MAOIs within the last 14 days. (4) • Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus. (4) • Known hypersensitivity to morphine. (4)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: • Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] • Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] • Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] • Interactions with Benzodiazepine or Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] • Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] • Severe Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] • Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)] • Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)] • Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)] The following adverse reactions associated with the use of morphine were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were 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. Serious adverse reactions associated with morphine use included: respiratory depression, apnea, and to a lesser degree, circulatory depression, respiratory arrest, shock and cardiac arrest. The common adverse reactions seen on initiation of therapy with morphine were dose-dependent and were typical opioid-related adverse reactions. The most frequent of these included constipation, nausea, and somnolence. Other commonly observed adverse reactions included: lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, vomiting, and sweating. The frequency of these events depended upon several factors including clinical setting, the patient’s level of opioid tolerance, and host factors specific to the individual. Other less frequently observed adverse reactions from opioid analgesics, including morphine sulfate included: Body as a Whole: malaise, withdrawal syndrome Cardiovascular System : bradycardia, hypertension, hypotension, palpitations, syncope, tachycardia Digestive System : anorexia, biliary pain, dyspepsia, dysphagia, gastroenteritis, abnormal liver function tests, rectal disorder, thirst Endocrine : hypogonadism Hemic and Lymphatic System : anemia, thrombocytopenia Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders : edema, weight loss Musculoskeletal : skeletal muscle rigidity, decreased bone mineral density Nervous System : abnormal dreams, abnormal gait, agitation, amnesia, anxiety, ataxia, confusion, convulsions, coma, delirium, depression, dry mouth, euphoria, hallucinations, lethargy, nervousness, abnormal thinking, tremor, vasodilation, vertigo, headache Respiratory System : hiccup, hypoventilation, voice alteration Skin and Appendages : dry skin, urticaria, pruritus Special Senses : amblyopia, eye pain, taste perversion Urogenital System : abnormal ejaculation, dysuria, impotence, decreased libido, oliguria, urinary retention or hesitancy, anti-diuretic effect, amenorrhea 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 morphine sulfate suppositories. Androgen Deficiency : Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with chronic use of opioids [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)] . Most common adverse reactions are constipation, nausea, somnolence, lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, vomiting, sweating. (6) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Padagis ® at 1-866-634-9120 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

FDA lists 3 drug label records with MORPHINE SULFATE as the active ingredient. The most common dosage forms and the manufacturers with the most records are summarised below; strengths, pack sizes and inactive ingredients can still differ between apparently similar products.

5 FDA recall record(s) match this product name or manufacturer. A match means the firm or product name appears in the enforcement report; confirm lot numbers and dates against the official FDA notice before acting.

What is Morphine Sulfate used for?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Morphine sulfate suppositories are indicated for the management of acute and chronic pain severe enough to require and opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] , reserve morphine sulfate …

Who makes Morphine Sulfate?
Padagis US LLC is the labeler of record for Morphine Sulfate. 3 FDA label records share the active ingredient MORPHINE SULFATE, so generic and branded versions may come from different companies; the manufacturer named on your pack is the one that matters for any enquiry.

What form does Morphine Sulfate come in?
administered by rectal. Strengths and pack sizes vary by label, so compare the NDC on your pack with the identifier listed on this page.

Is Morphine Sulfate prescription or over-the-counter?
The FDA label for this product is recorded as human prescription drug. Marketing status can differ between strengths and countries, so check the dispensing rules where you live.

Are there other products containing MORPHINE SULFATE?
Yes. 3 FDA drug label records list MORPHINE SULFATE as the active ingredient. Products with the same active ingredient can usually be substituted only when a prescriber or pharmacist confirms it is appropriate.

Has Morphine Sulfate been recalled?
5 FDA recall record(s) match this product name or manufacturer. Review the recall and safety notices section on this page and confirm lot numbers against the official FDA enforcement report.

Where does this information come from?
All content is reproduced from FDA Structured Product Labelling data via openFDA. It is provided for identification and reference only and is not medical advice.